Your Guide to Home Automation & Its Benefits

Home Automation, also known as “Smart Home Technology”, gives you the ability to automate your home, and control aspects of the smart home system via IoT (Internet of Things). Meaning, programmable smart appliances such as lights, thermostats, sprinklers, power outlets, doorbells, security alarms, sensors, and cameras, all get hooked to a remotely controlled network via the internet, while you get an integrated online platform to access, monitor, and manage these devices. Home automation can therefore serve multiple purposes in addition to giving you a smart lifestyle and a secure house.

In this article, we will talk about what is home automation and how it works, the advantages it brings you, and also about one of the top services available i.e. ADT Home Automation.

How Does Home Automation Work?

While home automation tech varies from one company to another, the essential logic upon which a smart and secure home system is built remains the same. The system consists of internet-enabled programmable devices, which use a variety of protocols relying on wireless tech, to connect to the internet, such as Z-Wave, ZigBee etcetera.  

Largely speaking, smart home systems are pretty complex and use electricity and wireless technologies to send and receive information from connected devices. You will note 2 chief types in the market. One comes with central control, and the other is app-based.

• Central Control smart home systems are high-end and expensive, more commonly used by businesses and in upmarket homes. You get a wall-mounted terminal to run the system, and you can also use a smartphone, tab, or PC for the purpose. While the convenience of being able to monitor, control and manage it all from the central hub is to the consumer liking, the one big downside of such systems is a limited choice of devices. For instance, if you need to replace your smart dishwasher, you can be pretty restricted in terms of what may sync in with your automated home system.

 

• App-based smart home tech utilizes your in-home network to connect to the Cloud. And once your online account is personalized, you can access these devices through mobile apps. You can manage each smart device via the Cloud from anywhere as long as it is connected to the internet.
  Owing to the growth and popularity of Cloud tech and IoT in recent years, app-based smart home tech is more commonly adopted at the mass level. Also, app-based home automation is affordable, scalable, easy to set up, use and update as well.
  Newer versions of app-based smart home systems are however doing away with the hassle of dealing with several apps for different smart devices. And, providers like ADT, which are primarily engaged in the provision of home security solutions, now give you a single app, such as the ADT Control, which puts you in charge of all the smart devices that make up your ADT smart home security system.

Generally speaking, the process of home automation thus involves automation, monitoring, and control.

• With the ability to automate, you can set up your smart devices to interact with each other. So that when a security alarm detects an intrusion, for instance, the smart siren also goes off.
• Remote control access gives you the ability to keep a tab on your home from anywhere anytime, e.g. you can view a live feed from a smart security camera at your home, while you are at work.
• You also have complete control over managing your devices remotely. For instance, you can set the heating or cooling parameters at home before you get back from work.

What Are the Components of Home Automation?

Smart Home Devices

As you must have gathered from what we have shared thus far, a smart home system essentially consists of a net of appliances or devices that are programmable and Wi-Fi enabled, so they can be incorporated into a smart home system, and controlled remotely. For instance, lights, door locks, power outlets, thermostats, smoke alarms, doorbells, security cameras, and more. This clan of smart devices however shapes only one part of your home automation.

If we look at the variety of smart home devices, each is remarkably innovative. From smart security to smart electronics, smart kitchens to smart bathrooms, there is a myriad of appliances and devices available in the market. Some of these can be added to an existing smart home system, while others may pose a compatibility issue. It is therefore important to read through the manufacturer-provided information before you invest in one. At least until such time when home automation protocols become standardized allowing you to take full advantage of available possibilities.

Smart Home Control

The other integral component, which serves the critical purpose of allowing you remote access to your smart home system, is the “control hub”. Modern-day home automation systems in common use come equipped with the ability to allow management of smart home devices, via control panels, mobile apps, or web interfaces.

Voice assistance also plays a key role in home automation control, making it all the smarter. The vast number of IoT devices currently available can be synced in with one or the other of the 3 available voice assistants i.e. Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. With

What Makes Home Automation Popular?

Here are a few key aspects that drive people to invest in home automation, and more often than not, these systems include smart security products.

Safety & Peace of Mind

When it comes to the concern for the safety of your family and the security of your house, smart home security is the perfect solution to consider. If you are still working on site, home automation can be a blessing, helping you keep an eye on the well-being of the little ones and the elderly at home, not to forget any pets you keep. And, if you frequently travel for business purposes, nothing earns you more peace of mind knowing all that you hold of value is in safe hands, readily accessible, with you in full control, no matter where you are.

Having smart home security allows you to stay on top of things, because if anything were to go wrong, you will get alerted via your smartphone, email, or via the pertinent control app, and you can contact relative authorities in the shortest time possible.

From unwanted intruders trying to break in, a smoke alarm goes off due to a mishap in the kitchen, to an elderly parent or a young in need of help, nothing escapes when you use security and surveillance features in conjunction with a smart home network. With motion sensors, cameras, auto door locks, window sensors, etc., integrated into the smart home network you get instant access to real-time happenings.

Control, Convenience & Comfort

Automation itself refers to the ability to program and schedule events for devices connected to a smart network. The programming can include routines, like turning the lights on and off at specific times every day. It can include non-scheduled events as well, such as having all your lights turn on in case a security alarm is triggered. You can control everything from one platform, in the most convenient manner, making your time home and away as comfortable as can be. And, once you begin to understand the amazing possibilities home automation brings, you can come up with so many creative and useful solutions to have a better quality of life. 

Flexibility to Scale and Upgrade

Largely speaking, smart home systems are flexible, both in terms of being scalable and renewable. No matter how high-end a device may be today, tomorrow will bring a better one. Being able to add more and/or replace current smart devices without hassle is a big plus which present-day app-based home automation systems get you.

Energy Efficiency & Savings

Smart homes save you money. It is as simple as that.

If you are able to utilize the full potential of possibilities you get with smart home automation just the right way, you will not have to watch over lights left on in rooms when there is no one, or the house getting over-heated or over-cooled. Your smart lights and smart thermostat can be programmed to adapt to your preferences. The more energy-efficient this regime becomes the lower your energy bill.

Enhanced Appliance Functionality

From smart ovens which can save your food from getting over-cooked or being left under-cooked, and smart TVs which allow smart access to a plethora of entertainment options all in one place to smart voice assistants ready to respond to your verbal commands, smart technologies allow for enhanced appliance functionality.

And, when there is an entire network of interconnected devices, as in a smart home security system, it becomes possible to use each appliance capabilities to the max. Home automation is a great way to ensure you draw full benefit from the products you have invested in.     

The Trusted Name in Home Automation: ADT

ADT has been around for nearly a century and a half, and its continued commitment to the security of American homes and businesses makes it one of the most trusted names in the industry. ADT home security products and home automation services are backed by experience and expertise which few others can boast.

ADT home security systems offer customizable solutions for your home. ADT not only designs the perfect security system for you but is one of the more affordable providers out there.

Many people fear that security provider equipment is complicated to use, but ADT products are user-friendly and offer some of the best security features to meet your needs. You are backed by more than 17,000 security professionals across the U.S. 24/7!

ADT home security systems do much more than just provide 24/7 surveillance. You have the ability to control and manage your security system wirelessly through the ADT Command, which is an easy-to-use touchscreen digital panel. From the smart security system and other automated devices, you can check the status at any time, and call for help instantly. Whether it is the lights, locks, thermostats, or the components of your security system, ADT empowers you via its smart products and gives you full control of it all via the ADT Mobile app.

ADT Packages and Plans

ADT has 3 primary packages, and each comes with pro installation, service & repair warranty as well as 24/7 alarm monitoring. You can build and customize the package to your preference, even at the time when ADT personnel are at your house for installation. Do bear in mind, as you build and customize your ADT home security plans, the cost of equipment will change accordingly.

ADT facilitates you with more than one payment option. You can pick whichever works better with your budget. Pay upfront in full for the equipment purchase, or finance for 60, 36, or 24 months. The best part is you can finance at zero down and zero APR. The monthly service charge for 24/7 professional monitoring is separate and includes the ADT Quality Service Plan which covers any repair costs.  

 

*Requires monitoring contract for the term you select. Early termination fees apply. Well-qualified credit. Financing requires a 0% APR installment contract for the term you select. Taxes addtional.

Conclusion

Smart home tech is here to stay, that is for sure. And with all the great benefits it brings, especially when security features are incorporated into your network, it is only wise to take advantage of what technological advancements have made possible.

If you are new to the concept of smart home security, ADT is a great provider to consider. After all the safety of your home and loved ones must be the number one priority when thinking about home automation. ADT truly understands the strains of the modern lifestyle, and its products and services depict this. ADT mobile apps are designed to give you full control over your smart home security anytime, anywhere.

Browse ADT packages and plans as well as the variety of ADT products, and speak to an ADT representative at 1-844-343-1168 for advice and assistance.

 

FAQs

Does ADT offer a money-back guarantee?

ADT offers a 6-month money-back guarantee on professionally customized and installed systems. For the DIY setup and configuration, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. For details contact ADT customer support at 1-844-343-1168.

Does ADT offer professional installation?

Yes, ADT home security packages include professional installation. For more details, you can contact ADT professionals at 1-844-343-1168.

Does home automation save homeowners money?

Yes, it does! If you have a smart home security system in place, not only do you save every month with lower energy bills, you are likely to avoid any losses due to theft. In case something does happen, you will be always able to provide evidence that works in your favor.

Is the ADT Control App free?

Yes, it is free of cost with your ADT home security package

Is home automation just home security?

No. Home automation applies to a variety of appliances and devices. For instance, smart lights, plugs, doorbells, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, TVs, speakers, and the list goes on. Security products such as indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras, motion sensors, CO, flood & smoke detectors, etc., may or may not be part of a smart home network. However, more often than not smart home systems primarily include security products.