The concept of a fully automated smart home once seemed like little more than science fiction – a cool idea, sure, but not exactly realistic. So much has changed in just a few years. Today, smart home technology is more than a pipe dream or a short-lived fad. Rather, it’s a practical and surprisingly accessible option for improving household efficiency and convenience. Consumers are responding enthusiastically, seeking automated solutions for everything from HVAC to coffee.

The 2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Smart Home Buyer Marketplace Survey revealed that 81 percent of buyers would be more inclined to purchase homes with smart devices already in place – and the market has only grown since then. Recent forecasts indicate that the smart home market could consist of over 1.4 billion devices by 2025.

Already, a notable Clutch survey reveals that smart devices are present in 32 percent of homes. This can be attributed, in part, to forced adoption. That being said, many homeowners seek to implement automation on their own terms. For example, an additional 33 percent of Clutch survey respondents intend to invest in at least one smart device in the next few years.

Many consumers recognize the value of automation, but few understand how it works or how it can be implemented in their homes. A little information can go a long way as you determine the potential value of automation in your daily life. Below, we explain the basics of home automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) as well as the importance of seeking installation services from a top smart home automation company.

What Is Home Automation and How Does it Relate to the Internet of Things?

Occasionally referred to as “domotics,” the term “home automation” refers to any setup in which devices can be controlled remotely. With a simple swipe on a smartphone app, you can control your thermostat, security system, or garage door from afar.

Home automation systems rely on the power of the Internet of Things (IoT). This term refers to the intersection of the internet with computers embedded in seemingly ordinary objects or devices. In short, IoT makes it possible to connect virtually any device to the internet. Furthermore, in a world dominated by IoT, devices can communicate with one another without requiring direct human interaction.

IoT consists of an ever-increasing array of devices that can be used in the home, at work, and virtually anywhere else. Current favorites that integrate smart functions include:

Smart Home Locks and Security Systems
Smart Thermostats
Smart Speakers and Sound Systems
Smart Lightbulbs
Smart Garage Door Openers
Smart Coffee Makers
Smart Cooktops

How Does Home Automation Work?

Home automation seeks to bring order to what could otherwise prove a haphazard and inefficient array of smart devices. The success of this approach relies on the control unit, which attaches to and manages all devices within the overarching smart home network. In the early days of automation, traditional desktop computers typically fulfilled this essential function. Today, however, most smart homes combine dedicated central devices (such as home management panels) with mobile apps.

Once the control panel, app, and basic connections have been configured, homeowners can shift their focus to the exact functioning of each device. Many smart devices feature sensors designed to monitor changes in temperature, daylight, or motion. These sensors can inform adjustments based on previously designated preferences. For example, smart HVAC systems can be instructed to warm or cool specific rooms based on the current temperature, time of day, and detected motion. The homeowner provides initial instructions, but the device carries them out based on conditions noted by its sensors. Manual override features may be included to grant homeowners immediate control.

Home automation is constantly evolving, with new technologies further enhancing devices. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is expected to dominate the smart home market in the near future. Already, voice and facial recognition play a key role in smart security systems and other automated solutions. Likewise, deep learning and interoperability will be increasingly integrated into devices to provide better targeting based on a combination of detected patterns and in-the-moment stimuli. Home networks may even come to resemble workplace IT systems, backed by round-the-clock troubleshooting and diagnostics.

How NerdsToGo Can Help You Make the Most of Home Automation

Automated devices may be easy to use, but setup can prove complicated. Even those who have a strong grasp on automation and IoT may struggle to put that knowledge into practice. Each additional device can bring new difficulties, especially for those who rely on Wi-Fi-enabled options. However, home automation experts can provide seamless installation and integration to help each device reach its full potential. Beyond this, smart home professionals can implement a variety of measures to ensure that devices work well with one another – and without slowing down the entire home’s internet connection.

If you work with the NerdsToGo team, you’ll receive excellent advice from start to finish. We can help you determine which smart devices are best suited to your home. Our experts can also set up these devices to maximize personal convenience and efficiency without harming your Wi-Fi connection. Once our technicians have completed your smart home system installation, we can show you how to program it according to your preferences. Our guidance will have you feeling confident from the get-go.

Work with One of the Best Smart Home Companies

Are you ready to make the most of home automation? The team at NerdsToGo can help. With our Nerds in your corner, you can kick back and relax as we handle the complications of installation. And if you encounter any issues down the road, you can count on us for prompt troubleshooting and repair services. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about our home automation services – and the role we can play in the smart home revolution.