Home Automation 101: What Is It and How to Get Started?

When cellphones became widely available, they transformed how people went about their daily lives. In both personal and professional life, smartphones have become indispensable tools.

As a result, innovators realized that smart gadgets have the potential to significantly benefit the general public. Today's smart gadgets aid in the development of superior home automation systems and controls.

What Is Home Automation?

The term "home automation" refers to the automated and computerized control of home features, activities, and devices.

To put it another way, it implies that you may simply control your home's utilities and features through the internet to make your life easier and safer, as well as save money on your utility bills.

A term that comes up often when talking about home automation is “The Internet of Things” (IoT). But what exactly is IoT?

IoT is the technology that connects smart gadgets. This system makes use of the internet and a wireless connection to sync devices and carry out tasks.

Sensors and connections are integrated into everyday home items, turning them into smart devices. These sensors aid in the device's collection and use of data.

The gadget then transmits the information it has gathered to other smart devices so they can assist one another. IoT is built on this data sharing and is essential in automating your home.

Let’s Get Automated

Now that we have some of the boring terminologies out of the way let’s get to the fun part. How do I get started automating my home?

There are literally thousands of ways to automate your home. This may sound like a daunting task, but there is no need to worry.

The first thing is to pick your first automated device. Here at Maxcio, we suggest moving gradually. Purchase one or two devices then go from there. Let’s take a look at some devices to get started with.

Smart Switch

Smart Switches are similar to regular light switches in that they are used to turn your lights on and off, but with smart switches, you have way more control with customizable features.

Smart switches let you design your home's  lighting to respond to voice commands. Or you can choose to set timers, adjust lighting colors, and fine-tune brightness through the Maxcio Smart Home App.

Many of these switches are compatible with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home, others function via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Smart Plug

Smart plugs are budget-friendly, easy to use, and turn virtually any appliance or electronic into a smart device. You can take any electrical outlet in your home and attach a smart plug to it. Doing this gives you the ability to control the device from anywhere.

After installation, plug in your appliance, and you are done! Download the Maxcio App to customize your plug by setting timers, schedules, and more.

Few would disagree that smart plugs are a fantastic way to start automating your house because of their versatility.

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting is the cheapest and easiest way to start automating your home. Save money off your electric bill, change the vibe in any room of your home, or brighten up that dark and dingy corner.

Smart lighting makes use of LED technology, which extends the life of your device. LED lighting also emits a more natural light, which reduces eye strain.

With smart lighting the benefits are immediate. It's easy to schedule and dim any lighting using the Maxcio Mobile App or by using voice control.

Smart Diffuser

When you open the door to your home or enter a new place for the first time. The initial thing that often greets you is the smell.

Whether welcoming a new guest to your home or coming home to de-stress after work, aroma diffusers are one of the best devices you can have for a consistent pleasant smell. Just put a few drops of your favorite essential oil in the water and you are done.

Smart Diffusers give you the ability to turn on and off the device, set timers, adjust the color, and even set schedules.

Conclusion

These days getting started with home automation has never been easier. The depth of smart home devices and what they support can be intimidating at times but access to DIY information is easy to find.

Here at Maxcio, we will continue to give our customers the best up-to-date information to lead you through any difficulties and questions.

Send us a message today to get started automating your home!