Home automation canada refers to a series of technologies that allow homeowners to control certain basic household systems and appliances with the touch of a button, the swipe of a finger or the sound of their voice. Often based on the futuristic technology seen in shows like the Jetsons and Star Trek, these products can be accessed either at a remote point like a smartphone app or at a centralized unit inside the home.
The term “home automation” is actually a subset of the broader Internet of Things (IoT), which connects everyday devices to one another through WiFi and allows them to be controlled remotely. Smart home products come in all shapes and sizes, with some focusing on specific areas of the home like lighting, security, energy management and climate control.
A smart home system is comprised of three main elements: sensors, controllers and actuators. Sensors are used to monitor environmental conditions and trigger automated responses based on the data they collect, such as turning on the lights when someone gets home from work or adjusting the temperature in the house before bed. The controllers are the computers or mobile apps that send the instructions to the actuators, which then carry out the desired actions.
Having a smart home means that you can keep track of your energy usage and make changes to save on bills. This could be as simple as closing blinds or curtains when you’re not in the room to stop sunlight from fading carpets and furnishings, or as complicated as tracking prices of fuel and groceries so that you get alerted when it’s time to stock up. Smart homes are also on the lookout for potential emergencies such as flooding, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide and more.
Some people may be hesitant to invest in a smart home because they fear the cost. However, the truth is that smart home technology can be very affordable and there are ways to save on the costs. For instance, some manufacturers offer smart home equipment packages that can be purchased at a fraction of the individual product’s retail price. Additionally, many devices can be connected to one another through the same hub so that they can be activated with a single command from your phone or tablet.
In addition, research has shown that Canadians are interested in the use of smart home technology to improve their home’s security. For example, a smart doorbell featuring a personal assistant can help deter robbers by making it appear that your house is occupied while you’re away. You can also set your home’s lights to turn on and off at regular intervals while you’re away to deter trespassers and burglars.
For seniors, a smart home can increase safety and independence by monitoring their daily activities. Researchers at Carleton University in Ottawa, working with Bruyere Research Institute and the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence, are developing supportive smart home systems that would monitor for falls or other problems. Sensors placed under mattresses or on the floor can track when someone gets up from bed and help them avoid injury. Other sensors would detect if a stove burner is left on and warn them to shut it off.