The home automation system is an high-tech IoT user-friendly solution that allows you to activate and manage the devices of home, even remotely, in a “smart” way and with savings on energy bills.
Home automation system also guarantees an increase in performance with lower consumptions and represents the perfect combination of comfort and energy efficiency.
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Where the term "home automation" comes from
Etymologically, the word derives from the crasis of the Latin word “domus” (house) with the Greek suffix “ticos” (application of technology). More specifically, home automation deals with the study and application of technologies aimed at optimising energy consumption and improving the quality of life.
The benefits of an home automation system
The main advantage of home automation is to make a home “smart”. Let’s take a look, point by point, at the main automations that can be implemented.
Lighting
Smart lighting gives the possibility to manage the switching on, switching off and even dimming of lights according to the presence of someone in the room.
Heating
The same applies to heating, which can be adjusted room by room according to the habits and personal tastes of the inhabitants.
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Home automation makes it possible to automate the opening and closing of doors and windows.
Alarm systems
Home automation alarm systems detect “intruders”, possible gas leaks, fires and other dangers, alerting the owner with a call or SMS.
Video surveillance systems
Intelligent infrared cameras detect “unwanted guests” even in the dark, as in the case of alarm systems.
Multimedia
Audio or video sources can be managed and/or customised using smart devices.
Home appliances
Most household appliances today can be controlled remotely. So why not set the washing machine timer from your smartphone?
How to realise an home automation system
The infrastructure of an home automation system can be distributed, centralised or mixed; let’s try to understand the differences.
Distributed
Each device works autonomously, can communicate with the others and extends the functionality of the entire system.
Centralised
Each device is managed by a control unit.
Mixed
Some devices are controlled by a controller, others are “free” or simply connected to the home wireless network.
DIY or professional technician?
A DIY home automation system involves the purchase of smart appliances to connect to the home Internet network. In this way, it will be possible to control them remotely via dedicated apps.
A DIY home automation system, however, does not guarantee big savings; for those, it is better to rely on a professional or a specialised company.
Steps to follow
To convert a traditional installation into an electrical home automation system, it is first necessary to install components for remote control and follow these steps:
- analysis of the existing plant;
- evaluation of the work to be carried out;
- construction of new “tracks” for the passage of cables;
- installation of new cables and replacement of old ones;
- installation of the control unit;
- connection of smart devices;
- app configuration.
The above steps enable certification according to CEI EN 50090.
Costs
The costs depend on the type of infrastructure (distributed, centralised or mixed) of the installation: for a basic one (70 square metres) about 7,000 euros are needed, of which 5,000 euros are for the refurbishment of the electrical system and 2,000 for the configuration.
Rely on IPPO Engineering: sustainability, renewable energy and energy efficiency
While there is the possibility of savings thanks to remote control and more monitoring of consumptions, the initial cost of implementation and maintenance may discourage the undertaking.
To discover the most suitable solution for your home, we recommend you rely on the IPPO Engineering team: we have long focused on sustainability, renewables and the conscious use of energy.
For more information read our JOurnal. If you are looking for a partner for green and blue economy projects, please contact us by filling out the contact form below.