We’ve had a smart home for many years and continue to optimize it. It has truly changed our lives and simplified so many areas. These are some of the automations which we use regularly. 

Goodnight Automation

This one is truly a favorite. Each night (if we are home) we don’t have to worry about locking doors, arming the security alarm, turning off lights, adjusting heating and cooling, etc. All we have to do is say “Goodnight” to one of our smart speaker devices and all of that is done for us by our smart home. Or, if we forget to do that, it does it automatically at the scheduled time. Not only that, it will pause and save our spot in what we were watching on TV AND it turns on our bedroom lights and hallway lights so we can make our way safely and easily. After 10 minutes when we are usually in bed ready to sleep the lights all turn off automatically, but we can always just ask the Google Assistant device in our room to do that earlier if desired.

Arrive Home

Our smart home is integrated with all of our family mobile phones and automobiles. It knows if anyone is at home by the location of those devices as well as all of the other motion and occupancy sensors in the house. The latter is key because it covers scenarios where we have guests or house sitters and we want our automations to still work properly. So, if we are arriving home our smart home automatically does all the things we need to make our lives easier and more streamlined. The outside lights turn up (or on) (if after sunset/before sunrise), the security alarm is disabled, the garage door opens specific to each car, the inside lights turn on as well.

Leave Home

This home automation is basically the opposite of Arrive Home. If the last person leaves then our smart home automatically locks the door locks, arms the security alarm, turns off any interior lights or TV’s which were on, and closes the garage doors. It is SO NICE to just leave and not worry about these things. It also gives peace of mind and saves time and energy!

Good Morning

We manage our alarm clock in our calendar. It is so much better than using a dedicated device or even a phone for this purpose! We set a schedule and then ignore holidays or days off, etc. Not only that, our alarms gently turn on the lights in the room as a sunrise effect (if before sunrise) and plays an audible wake up message on the smart speaker. We can even do a snooze function. When we get up we don’t have to wander around in the dark, the lights are on (at the level we prefer) so everything is much easier.

Home Security and Monitoring

We have many smart cameras at our home. These allow us to monitor our home while away and deter potential crime. We don’t like to pay monthly fees to the camera companies and we also don’t like a disjointed experience. So our home automation camera system is not dependent on any Cloud service, it runs locally. We have automations set up for motion detection on each camera which then uses AI to do person detection. Although not perfect, this drastically reduces false alarms and excessive notifications. In other words, if our system sends our phones a notification its very likely because a person is at the door. We also use the latest Generative AI technology to evaluate the captured image of the person on the property and send a short description e.g. “A man in a brown jacket holding a package is walking to your front door”.

In addition to cameras our EffortlessHome has door and window sensors hooked to a security alarm, water sensors in strategic locations which will notify and turn off the water supply on triggering. Also, our smoke detectors and CO2 dectectors are smart and notify us of any alarms no matter where we are in the world.

Summary

Well, that’s it for this article. I hope you can also see the value of this type of system and it inspires you to learn more and explore these exciting technologies or reach out to us here at EffortlessHome.

Why Disconnect to Get Smart? Exploring the Benefits of an Offline Home Automation System

For many, the term “smart home” conjures images of voice-controlled assistants and smartphone apps. But what if there was another way? An approach that prioritizes privacy, reliability, and even affordability? Enter the offline home automation system, a setup that breaks free from the internet and offers a surprising range of benefits.

Privacy Powerhouse: In an age of constant data collection, offline systems keep your home data under your roof. No more worries about cloud breaches or targeted advertising based on your lighting preferences. You control your information.

Rock-Solid Reliability: Internet outages? No problem. With an offline system, your pre-programmed automations like scheduled lighting or temperature control keep running smoothly, unaffected by internet hiccups.

Simple Setup, Sweet Savings: Offline systems often require less complex setups compared to their internet-dependent counterparts. This can translate to lower upfront costs and potentially avoid monthly subscription fees associated with cloud-based platforms.

Future-Proofed Functionality: Ever feel nervous about a smart home device being discontinued or rendered useless by a software update? Offline systems sidestep this issue. Programmed routines keep working as intended, regardless of a manufacturer’s decisions.

Beyond the Basics: While offering a clear break from the cloud, offline systems aren’t stuck in the dark ages. A range of devices, from smart thermostats to motion-sensor lighting, can function perfectly well without an internet connection.

A Niche with Nuance: While enticing, offline systems aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Remote control and complex automation features often rely on internet connectivity. For those seeking a more basic, yet dependable, smart home experience, offline systems offer a compelling alternative.

The Bottom Line: For those seeking privacy, reliability, and potentially lower costs, offline home automation offers a unique path to a smarter home. By understanding your needs and priorities, you can create a system that functions seamlessly, on its own terms.

Don’t Get Zapped by Convenience: Common Home Automation Mistakes to Avoid

At EffortlessHome we have many years of experience in home automation. With that experience has come some hard lessons on what works and what doesn’t work. In this article I will share some of that wisdom to help others starting out avoid making those same mistakes as they learn the ropes of home automation technologies and techniques.

The allure of a smart home is undeniable. Imagine lights that adjust to your mood, a thermostat that tailors the temperature to your preferences, and appliances that seamlessly integrate into your daily routine. But the path to a truly smart home can be riddled with unexpected pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your smart home experience is smooth sailing.

Falling for the Incompatibility Trap: The smart home market boasts a dizzying array of devices, each promising a unique solution. But what good is a smart bulb if it doesn’t work with your smart speaker? Ensure compatibility by choosing devices that operate on the same platform or protocol, like Zigbee or Z-Wave. Research and plan your ecosystem before swiping that credit card.

Neglecting Network Nightmare: Your smart home is only as smart as your Wi-Fi. A weak or overloaded network can lead to frustrating lags, unresponsive devices, and a less-than-stellar smart home experience. Invest in a robust router with good range, and consider a mesh network for larger homes to ensure all your devices have a strong connection.

Security Slipshod: Convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of security. Always change default usernames and passwords on your smart home devices. Enable two-factor authentication when available, and consider investing in a firewall to further protect your network from potential breaches. Remember, a hacker gaining access to your smart lock is a recipe for disaster.

Overcomplicating Chaos: While automation is a key benefit, starting with an overly complex setup can lead to frustration. Begin with a few core devices and routines, like smart lights or a connected thermostat. As you gain comfort and confidence, gradually introduce new functionalities. A well-orchestrated smart home is an evolution, not a revolution.

Ignoring Updates: Just like your smartphone, smart home devices require software updates to function optimally and address security vulnerabilities. Set your devices to update automatically, or schedule regular checks to ensure you’re always running the latest firmware.

The Bottom Line: By planning strategically, prioritizing security, and taking a measured approach, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a smart home that truly enhances your life. Remember, a smart home should be convenient, not complicated. With a little planning, you can steer clear of these mistakes and unlock the full potential of smart home living.