From entertaining guests at dinner to alerting homeowners of leaks, smart tech has the potential to reimagine the way we live. Once the domain of the ultra-wealthy, new affordable and scalable home automation options are opening up the potential of all homes, including better bathrooms and clever kitchens.
“For the first time, true home automation is affordable, easy to use, and simple to install,” says Tim Fant, offer manager at Clipsal. “Complete systems like Clipsal Wiser Smart Home combine control of lighting, air conditioning, appliances, and almost anything else in the home, from the tap of a phone, a movement, or a simple phrase.”
Home automation has an almost unending number of applications to make life easier. Tim discusses the endless opportunities for two of the rooms where smart tech can make a real difference.
3 brainier bathroom automations
Home automation offers a lot more than asking a smart speaker to play your favourite song in the morning. From setting the scene to watching for leaks, the right set-up can create a more calming experience.
Keeping on schedule: The ability to schedule activities is great for making daily life easier. For example, turning on heating, heated towel rails, and lighting to a soft shine to create a comforting environment in winter, or a bright light and air conditioning in summer to help you feel energised.
A good system will allow you to set different times for different days, perfect for weekend lie-ins.
Water warning: If you’re worried about the bath overflowing, or kids splashing around too much, a water leakage sensor is a must-have. It can be set to ping your phone if it detects excessive water so you can assess the situation.
Humidity sensors can also trigger extractor fans and heated mirrors automatically should the room become too steamy.
Combined control: Smart systems allow you to combine multiple functions into one ‘moment’. With simple automation functions, that can be set to happen at a certain time, or when a sensor is activated. This could include lighting, heating and music set to come on before you head to your morning shower.
3 clever kitchen hacks
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the home automation system is its brain! Often connected to dining and alfresco areas, the kitchen is a place to come together with family and friends where smart use of home automation can make for a more effortless experience.
Getting everyone to the table: Smart sockets allow homeowners to control anything they plug in via their phone, from turning on the kettle to more complex movements. The latter could include adjusting heating, lighting, and music and even the command to turn off TVs and gaming consoles to get the kids to the table.
Lighten up (or down): Motion sensors are great in kitchens or butlers’ pantries when your hands are full or messy from cooking. Connected smart speakers allow you to turn lights, heating, and appliances on and off with a simple spoken command.
Wiser about water: Much like bathrooms, kitchens can get steamy and there are concerns about overflowing water. Humidity and leak sensors can provide an early warning to any issues helping homeowners avoid damage and mould.
