5 Practical Home Automation Ideas to Lower Energy Costs

What is Home Automation?

Home automation is transforming the way we live by bringing intelligence and convenience into our homes through interconnected smart home devices. Home automation refers to the use of technology to control household systems and appliances with minimal human intervention. Devices like smart plugs allow homeowners to turn electronics on or off remotely via smartphone apps or voice commands, making everyday tasks more efficient. A significant advantage of this technology is smart home energy savings, as automated lighting can be scheduled or triggered based on occupancy, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and lowering utility bills.

Furthermore, automated home security systems add a layer of protection by integrating video cameras and motion sensors that can be monitored and managed in real time from anywhere. Altogether, home automation not only enhances comfort and convenience but also boosts energy efficiency and peace of mind.

The Rise of Smart Living

The popularity of smart homes has surged in recent years as consumers seek greater control over their environments with less manual effort. With the rise of remote work and increased focus on sustainability, many people are investing in smart devices that allow them to save energy, monitor their homes, and reduce their monthly bills. If you're just starting out, here's a helpful guide on how to create a smart home.

The flexibility and customisation offered by home automation and automated home security systems has made it an attractive option for households of all sizes to implement home automation ideas.

The Benefits of Home Automation

Adopting smart home technology has several benefits:

• Convenience: Automate daily routines and control your home remotely.
• Cost Savings: Enjoy smart home energy savings by using devices only when needed.
• Enhanced Security: Automated home alarm systems offer 24/7 monitoring services and real-time alarm activation alerts. It ensures your alarm can be scheduled to turn on and off at specific times and days, so you never forget it.
• Energy Efficiency: Reduce unnecessary energy usage through smart scheduling using smart plugs on your household appliances.

Smart Devices That Enhance Home Safety

PhoneWatch Smart Plugs

The PhoneWatch app has a new convenient feature that integrates with PhoneWatch smart plugs and allows users to set timers on their appliances with smart plugs. You simply go into your PhoneWatch app, select the smart plug appliance and the time you want it to turn it on or off.

You can also immediately turn smart plug appliances on or off via the app. This allows users to track consumption and automatically switch off devices when not in use, contributing to savings and safety efficiencies.

As we have unfortunately encountered situations where appliances were left on for too long and consequently caused tragic fires in home. Home automation solutions can alleviate this issue. Luckily, PhoneWatch’s smoke detectors are also monitored 24/7 even when your alarm is off. So, our alarm receiving centre team will be alerted and respond within 15 seconds to any alarm and dispatch the fire services if required.

PhoneWatch Home Alarm System

Another recent PhoneWatch app enhancement means that our customers can now schedule their alarm to turn on and off at any time of any day. This is a significant feature that allows you to maintain stringent home security measures without the risk of ever forgetting to arm your home alarm. To learn more about this new scheduling feature, check out our detailed blog post on the new PhoneWatch alarm scheduling feature.

Connected Video Cameras and Motion Sensors

Modern security systems include video cameras and sensors that send instant notifications if unexpected motion is detected. You can view live feeds directly from your home security app when your alarm is armed and ensure that your home is protected, even when you're away. The video doorbell camera cleverly allows you to view who is at your door and speak to them via the app, as if you were at home.

Automated Lights and Timers

Lights that turn on and off automatically based on time or activity help deter burglars and save electricity. Timers and motion-activated lighting are simple yet effective tools in enhancing your home’s security.

5 Practical Home Automation Ideas for Irish Homes

1.     Schedule Lighting When You’re Away

By using smart plugs on your appliances and setting timers on them, you can program lights to mimic occupancy, discouraging potential intruders.

2.     Turn on Christmas Lights as the Kids Arrive Home

Add magic to the festive season by scheduling Christmas lights to greet the family after school. You can always schedule lights to turn on at night any time of the year to make it appear as if you are at home when you aren’t. This helps warn of potential intruders.

3.     Wake Up to the Aroma of Freshly Brewed Coffee

Connecting your coffee machine to a smart plug and setting it to turn on with your morning alarm, is of the home automation ideas that many people implement. As we all need to save time in the morning, so having your coffee ready is a good start to any day.

4.     Sync Up Routines in Neurodivergent Households

Smart routines can help create structure and predictability, which is particularly helpful for neurodivergent individuals. As everything can be organised in advance to help with everyone’s daily routines. Automated home security systems make everyone feel safer whether they’re at home or away.

5.     Turn Off Non-Essential Appliances at Night

Save energy and reduce risk by powering down devices like TVs and gaming consoles automatically before bedtime.

Energy Efficiency & Automation

Reducing Your Home’s Energy Use

Smart home energy savings is a key benefit of home automation systems. They can help monitor and optimise your energy usage, reducing unnecessary waste.

Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring

Many smart plugs provide insights into the energy use of each connected device, allowing you to make informed decisions about your consumption.

FAQs About Home Automation & Security

What is home automation?

Home automation uses technology to control smart home systems remotely or via pre-set schedules through phone apps. This enhances comfort, security via automated home security systems, and energy efficiency with smart plugs.

How to automate your lights at home?

You can automate lighting with smart plugs and sensors, controlled through a mobile app or smart home assistant.

Is home automation worth it?

Yes, especially for those looking to increase convenience, improve security, and achieve smart home energy savings over time. There are  many home automation ideas that can be used throughout your home, that will also save you time and increase your home’s overall safety.

What can be automated in a home?

Lighting, heating, appliances, security systems, and even entertainment can be automated to suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Why Choose PhoneWatch for Your Smart Home Needs

PhoneWatch offers a comprehensive home security system with a range of smart home products, including smart plugs and video cameras as part of our overall home security system. Our solutions are designed to be user-friendly, reliable, and tailored to the unique needs of Irish homes. And can be controlled from anywhere with our regularly updated app. With a focus on safety and energy efficiency, PhoneWatch makes smart living accessible and practical for everyone.