In this age of digital devices and hyper connectivity, people all over the world have become busier than ever. Sometimes we are burdened with some many tasks that we do not find enough time to pause, breathe and reflect on what we are doing. A home automation system can help us work smarter and become more productive.

Although many people are using home automation systems, most of them are unaware of the types of home automation system. While it is not important to go into technical details, we all should know how home automation systems work. If you are thinking of installing a home automation system into your home, knowledge about these systems will help you make an informed decision. In this post, we will discuss three basic types of home automation systems.  

But what is a home automation system, anyway?

Home automation systems are used to operate home appliances. They are convenient, and they help you save energy. Nowadays, home automation systems have made life very comfortable. The system mainly involves automatic controlling of electronic or electrical devices in your home. Through wireless communication, you can even control devices remotely. A centralized controller controls the security systems, air conditioning and heating, lighting equipment, and kitchen appliances.

Sensors are used to implement this system. Sensors work by controlling the devices. Temperature, motion, light and other sensing elements are detected by the sensors. These sensors can be current transformers, pressure sensors, level sensors, photo detectors, thermostats or thermocouples.

If your system, smartphones, touch pads or personal computers can be used as controllers. The actuators are often controlled by programmable-logic controllers. The sensors send the information to these controllers.

Controlling devices such as motors, relays and limit switches are referred to as actuators. In your home automation system, communication plays an important role. Continuous monitoring is provided by these smart home automation systems. However, here are the three major types of home automation systems:

Power line home automation system

Power line home automation systems are popular mainly because of their affordability. Your tools are transferred to a control interface by using the existing power lines of your home. The main benefit of this system is that your entire home can be covered by this system. This is more frequently used than the other two types of home automation systems.

But there are a couple of downsides of power line home automation systems. First, you will need to use noise filters. And second, this system is not as advanced as the other two types of home automation systems. But this is relatively less expensive than other types of home automation systems. To transfer information, you do not need additional cables. You can use the existing cables in your home.

Wired home automation system

To send information, wired home automation system uses Cat 5 cables. The system is connected to a control center. Like other types of home automation systems, you can use this system in a new or old home, but it is more suitable for new homes. For home automation, this is a great option. This is a reliable system, and you can easily connect this system to other devices.

Although this system does not have many disadvantages, it is not as popular as other types of home automation systems. People prefer wireless systems perhaps because of their ease of use. This home automation system uses a programmable logic controller, and the home equipment is connected to it. Actuators help the equipment receive commands from the main controller.

Wireless home automation system

Wireless technology is everywhere these days. A wireless system allows you to connect multiple systems without running cables behind walls. To connect the devices of your house, you can rely on WiFi. Wireless home automation system has become the ideal preference because of its simple installation process, and reliability. For any home automation user, this is the number one choice.

But you have to make sure that the systems you are using are compatible with open networks. Before you install the system, you have to check it carefully. Wireless home automation systems use technologies such as Bluetooth, GSM, WiFi, IR etc. This home automation system gives you more advantages than the other two types of home automation systems.

Which home automation system is suitable for you?

Most people use wireless network in their homes, and there are clear reasons for that preference. Wireless network allows us to enjoy uninterrupted access to the internet. In recent years, it has become a trend to use ethernet ports connect to gaming devices, Blue-ray players and TVs.

In developed countries, about 50% of the homes have wireless LAN installed. According to estimates by Ofcom, about 1.5 million households are powered by Power line technology. Of course, there are pros and cons of all types of home automation systems. We are going to provide you with some information about the pros and cons of different types of home automation systems.

Before we go into details, you must understand how power line and WiFi technologies work. We will begin with power line. It carries data on a conductor. We also use it for electric power transmission. At electronics retailers, you can easily find power line adapter sets. Establishing a wired connection is easy. You can use the electrical wiring in your home to establish the connection. There are different types of power line networking standards, and you have to choose one that works for you.

On the other hand, WiFi works by connecting your devices to an IP gateway. Users like this system because of its predictable bandwidth, ultra readability and high-speed performance. But there is a challenge associated with this system. This system has issues of interference, and it often fails to send signals through brick walls.

Tips to consider when choosing a home automation system

Life moves fast, and we all are busy doing one thing or another. Home automation systems help us make life easier and more comfortable. But how do you know what type of home automation system is suitable for you? How do you make a choice?

Fortunately, it is not a difficult task to choose a home automation system. There are different types of home automation systems and they all give you some control over the security system of your home. A home automation system connects everything from door locks and lights to your thermostats. Using your smartphone, laptop or tablet, you can very easily access the security system.

But you do not necessarily need to be tied to the system. You just set them according to your needs, and they work automatically. To enjoy the convenience, you just need to be able to set the system. Here are a few tips you should consider when you are going to choose a home automation system:

Follow your heart

It may sound a bit sentimental, but you should really follow your heart when choosing a home automation system. For some time, forget the types of home automation systems and ask yourself what you really want. Do not make the mistake of getting lost in the features. What are the desired benefits? What do you need to live a bit more comfortably? What about the fireplace, music, temperature and light? Know about the three main types of home automation systems and figure out which one will be the best choice for you. Take your time and try to find answers to these questions. To make a good choice, you should not always follow your head!

Think creatively

You need to be creative and make a list of features you want to have in your house. Make a master design. If you prefer controlling the temperature manually, you should purchase items that suit your purpose. Different types of home automation systems allow you to exercise your creative thinking, because home automation is all about convenience.

If you want to trigger the thermostat by using a conditional control, that will be a good option if you want to create the impressions of sunrise and sunset. You can also set the system in a way that it will react to a voice command. There are endless possibilities, and you just need to think your way out! There is no doubt that among the different types of home automation systems, a wireless system will provide you with the highest number of benefits. Because with this system, you can make your appliances work the way you want.

Use your brain

It is not a bad idea to pay attention to expert advice when you are going to choose a home automation system. Once you have figured out what you want the system to do for you, it is time to choose the right technology. Rather than focusing too much on the pros and cons of different types of home automation systems, you should think about your needs and then make decisions based on those needs.

The main controller of the system is like the brain. It may be handled with software, hardware or a combination of both. If the system is simple, and it works with manual control, you should pay more attention to the hardware. There are some types of home automation systems that are known as hybrid models. A hybrid system can be your best choice if you need to use triggers to automate conditional events.

Pick your control technologies

Before you choose your control technologies, you must have a clear idea about your needs. Once you have established the needs, you have to make an informed decision regarding whether to choose a wired or wireless system. Do not hesitate to ask an expert if you do not know which technology will be the best choice for you.

There are different types of home automation systems, and they work on various platforms. When choosing a home automation system, you must consider its cost, performance and mechanism. Although your choice will be determined by your particular situations, in most cases the wireless systems will be the best choice. You can use your smartphone to control all the devices and appliances in your home, and that is pretty convenient.