We have a tendency to think of home automation as a relatively new thing. But that is only because most of us view history through the perspective of our own limited experiences. The truth of the matter is that home automation has been around a long, long time. Granted, it has changed a lot in the last ten years. But it has still been around for longer than most of us have been alive.
I remember my father investing a few dollars in timer switches for the living room lights. Whenever we went away on vacation, he used the timers to turn the lights on and off. That is home automation.
Long before I was even born, my grandmother was blessed to receive her first washer and dryer set. The two machines replaced a manual ring washer and an outdoor laundry line. That's home automation, too. Given my examples, the big question is this: what makes modern home automation so much better?
Digital Technology
The answer lies in digital technology. With the digital age has come the opportunity to automatically control so many more devices. Not only that, but we also are not limited to merely flipping switches that turn things on and off. We can do a lot more with our devices through advanced programming.
If you aren't sure where I'm going with all of this, check out these three reasons home automation is so much sweeter in the digital era:
1. Device Integration
In the old days, home automation devices were completely independent of one another. My father's light timers did not interact with my mother's washing machine and dryer. But today, thanks to digital technologies and the internet, all sorts of devices can be fully integrated.
Let's say I invested in a home automation system from Vivint Smart Home. I could set up the system so that devices interact with one another based on single actions. I could program the thermostat to adjust itself the minute I arm my security system on the way out the door.
2. Remote Access
Prior to the internet age, home automation devices were not accessible outside of the home. That is obviously no longer the case. From anywhere in the world, all I need to adjust my thermostat is a mobile device and an internet connection.
Thanks to smart locks, I can remotely give guests access to my home without having to give them keys. I can check my video feeds to ensure the kids are doing their homework instead of watching TV. The possibilities are endless.
3. Geolocation Capabilities
The icing on the cake for me is modern home automation's geolocation capabilities. If you think this sounds complicated, it is probably simpler than you realize. I utilize geolocation by first using a mobile app to create a virtual geofence around my home. Then I can program my system accordingly.
I can set things up so that my system automatically turns off all the lights, locks the door, and adjusts the thermostat whenever I leave my geofence. I can program the same functions in reverse. That way, I never arrive home to a dark house and a locked door requiring me to fumble with my keys just to get in.
There is plenty more about modern home automation I cannot get into in this post. The main takeaway here is that today's home automation is exponentially better than its counterpart of even two decades ago. Technology has made it easier to use, more efficient, and more secure. To me, home automation in 2024 is sweeter than it has ever been before.
