Home Automation
What is Home Automation?
Home automation allows you to control devices in your home from your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and other mobile devices from anywhere in the world. The term refers to both isolated programmable devices, like thermostats and sprinkler systems, to homes in which nearly everything – lights, appliances, electrical outlets, heating and cooling systems, security systems, doors, windows, locks, pools (and even pets!) — are all connected to a network you can control remotely.
What are the Benefits of Home Automation?
Automating your home isn’t just for the luxury of not having to stand up to turn off a light. There are many benefits ranging from keeping your family safe to reducing your energy bills. Here are just a few:
Cost savings
Turn off electronic devices when not in use
Be environmentally friendly
Less energy consumption by scheduling use of lights, heating, air conditioning, and other appliances as needed
Be safer
Security cameras
Turn lights on before you get home
Smoke and carbon monoxide detecters (that don’t need batteries)
See who is at the door before you open it
More convenience
Schedule coffee maker to brew coffee in the am
Garage door opener
Control things from Apple TV - don’t even have to get up from the couch
Have fun
Colorful lights
Music
Ambiance
Examples of Home Automation
Smart Appliances: Many refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers/dryers have the ability to communicate with and be controlled by your devices.
Outlet Controls: Allow you to integrate any of your home's older "dumb" lights or appliances into a new automation system. Some outlets come with USB chargers.
Smoke Alarms/Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These devices can monitor your environment and alert you to dangerous levels of smoke and carbon monoxide, even if you aren’t home by communicating with you through your devices. This is safer and more reliable than standard detectors that require batteries.
Thermostat/HVAC: Save energy by optimizing the temperature depending on whether you are home or away. Smart thermometers will learn to understand your habits and eventually adapt the indoor climate to match your preferences.
Lights: Control lights from any location with internet access, even when away from home. Turn lights on and off, change their color and brightness. Turn on your outside lights so you can safely see your way into your home when it’s dark. Use a motion sensor to turn on lights when you walk into a room.
Music/Sonos: Play different music in different rooms all controlled from your Apple devices.
Inter-Device Communication: All your devices— iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Apple Watch and other devices—are able to talk to each other, creating a seamlessly interconnected media and communications network inside your home.
Keys/Device Location: Forget where you left your keys or phone? Locate them from wherever you are!
Universal Remote: Ditch the multiple remotes - only one is needed!
Robotics: Your home can clean itself by integrating robotic technology—like pool cleaners, window washers and Roombas—into your home automation system.
Security Cameras: Allow you to view who is at your home either from inside or a remote location.
Doorbell Cameras: Allow you to view who is at your door and communicate with them without having to open the door.
Door Locks: Lock/Unlock your door from anywhere in the world.
Garage Door: Open your garage door remotely
Sprinkler Control: Automate your lawn care
Outdoor Lights: Turn on your outside lights so you can safely see your way into your home at night.
Grilling and outdoor entertaining devices
Pool cleaning and lights
Pets: Feeders and location/tracking devices
Other Devices: Ceiling fans, blinds/curtains, glass break sensors, pet feeders and locators, motion sensors and more!
What are HomeKit and Home?
HomeKit® is Apple's home automation framework that lets you control connected accessories from your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and even Siri using an app called Home®.
Brands We Carry at Geekhampton
We are currently carrying Nest and Eve products. We're always adding to this list, so please check at the store if you don't see what you're looking for!