What is Home Automation?

Home automation is automation of the home, housework or household activity.  A home automation system integrates electrical devices within a house to each other. The techniques employed in home automation include the control of domestic activities such as home entertaining systems, changing the ambiance "scenes" for different events (such as dinners or parties).  Devices may be connected through a computer network to allow control by a personal computer, iPod, iPhone, Android devices, iPad, and may allow remote access from the internet. Through the integration of information technologies with the home environment, systems and appliances are able to communicate in an integrated manner which results in convenience, energy efficiency, and safety benefits.

There are many different areas of home automation.  The most common are audio/video, lighting, climate control, intercoms, and window coverings.  There are many other areas of home automation that aren't commonly referred to as that, including such things as kitchen appliances, basic light timers, and many other home electronic devices.  You likely already have a common home automation device in your home: the garage door opener.

Not only does home automation make many things you do at home easier, but it also adds value to your home, adds to the image of your home, increases the "wow" factor of your home, and in many cases (such as lighting control) it saves energy.