Smart home automation was previously reserved for the super rich, with mega mansions on the coastal waterfronts. However, with new up and coming technologies in 2020, smart home automation is a lot easier and cheaper to install then ever before.
A quick disclaimer. I am by no means an expert in the field of smart home automation. I have, however, spent countless of hours tirelessly researching the topic for my own owner building project. If you haven’t yet, check out the project series, click here >.
So What Is Smart Home Automation?
Have you ever imagined waking up in a dark room then the blinds automatically open up revealing the sunrising over the water, just like in the movies. Well to be honest, its actually more then that, way more then that…
Imagine having control of every gadget in your home at your finger tips. With a push of a button you can turn lights on or off or dim them. Turn on the a/c or shut the garage door.
Smart home automation is truely endless with its capabilities. With an ever changing technological environment more and more devices are being added into smart homes more regularly.
But enough about that. I am sure you are well aware of what smart homes are capable of. Lets dive into what type of systems I have spent time researching that could also best suit your home too!
Types Of Smart Home Automation Systems
Again, like I said before I am no expert in the field of smart home automation. Therefore I am going to only talk about the types of systems that I was interested in and spent time researching.
Fibaro Home Center 2
The fibaro system was the main system that sparked my interest the most. The wireless technology the fibaro home center 2 uses means for an easy installation into any home.
The beauty of this system is that it can be installed easily into existing homes as well as new homes. For owner builders, this can help us not overcapitalise our precious budget while not losing the dream of having a smart home – eventually. Being able to install this system at a later date is a huge advantage compared to other systems in the market.
From first looks the fibaro home center 2 control panel is easy to use. The main dashboard is full of features, without being too difficult to operate. From the main dashboard you can view each room, search installed devices, check energy consumption and configure settings, just to name a few.
Fibaro & Z-Wave Technology
The fibaro home center 2 system communicates with devices via Z-wave technology. This means, without any internet connection the fibaro system can still talk to devices and function normally.
Each Z-wave device installed into the fibaro system can act also as a repeater, forming your own integrated network in your home. If you have a large home, this smart feature will connect your entire home effortlessly. Devices will intelligently find their own means of communication amogst themselves and the home center 2 HUB.
Installing Smart Devices
Installing smart devices to the Fibaro system is easier then ever. A lot easier then I first expected for a smart home automation system. The easy connection and installation process is Fibaros biggest selling point. No matter what stage you are at, the versatility of Fibaro means you can install it during or well after construction.
The video below is a quick explanation of how a light switch dimmer is connected. The light switch was an original switch already installed in the home.
Buy Fibaro Home Center
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Fibaro Home Center Lite$598.49 -
Fibaro Home Center 2$945.00 -
Fibaro Home Center 3 HC3$1,249.50
Advantage Air MyPlace
the only other smart home automation system I have researched is the advantage air MyPlace. This however wasn’t intentional and unfortunately I haven’t spent as much time researching it compared to Fibaro.
When I was installing the ducted air conditioning system in my home, the installers cut me a good price to upgrade to the smart advantage air MyPlace system. With this, my air conditioning is all connected to MyPlace and can be remotely turned off and on via the app.
You are able to also connect lights to MyPlace, also known as MyLights. Unlike Fibaro though, it will be easier if it is connected before you plaster your home. Unless you have easy access in your roof space!
Unlike Fibaro, MyPlace runs off WIFI and interconnected terminals. Your lights are then connected into these terminals and can then be accessed via the MyPlace system to be controlled.
Right now, using the MyPlace system for the airconditiong is great and very easy to use. I haven’t researched the full possibilities of the system, compared to Fibaro. I need to research more on the installation process of adding other devices to the system and how easily it integrates into an exisiting home.
The video below is a good video demonstration of the advantage air MyPlace system.
My Conclusion
For my smart home automation, I originally had my heart set on the Fibaro home center 2 system. I still believe it is the best product on the market, offering the most capabilities. The easy installation and setup of the Fibaro system is a game changer in this type of market.
However, I struck a decent deal with my air conditioning contractors and had them install the Advantage Air MyPlace system. Now it is only currently setup for the air conditioner, but I can see it too has many capabilites as well. The app has been very easy to use, with no issues at all so far.
So do your own research, as apart from these two systems there are countless other smart home automation systems on the market. It pays to do your research!
do you have a smart home automation system installed in your home? Or looking to install one?
Write us a comment below with your thoughts and oppinions on smart home automation …
Resources
- Fibaro: https://www.fibaro.com/en/
- Advantage Air MyPlace: https://www.advantageair.com.au/myplace/