Home automation is the automated or remote control of appliances and equipment in the home. Automated controls can be used to turn equipment on or off or adjust the operating settings at pre-determined times, on-site or remotely, or can be set to adjust the operation of equipment in response to changes in the home environment, eg. Homes using these techniques, which may also involve the integratio
n of broadband communications, are sometimes called Smart Homes or Smart Houses. Home automation can either be centralised and programmable, or consist of decentralised and isolated sensors and controls. It can involve sophisticated electronic programmable controls for lighting, heating, cooling and entertainment devices using a special wiring or wireless controls, or just a few isolated systems being automated, such as motion sensors to control lights. Home automation systems can only improve the energy efficiency of your home if they are designed for this purpose. Priority is given to designing an energy efficient home and installing high energy efficient appliances and lighting. Home automation can save energy if it reduces the time that equipment operates or reduces the need to use equipment, eg.
