Smart Home vs. Home Automation: What’s the Difference?
Smart Technology and Home Automation—and Why You’ll Benefit From Both
A ‘smart home’ and ‘home automation’ may sound the same, but they actually offer two different things. If you’re interested in smart technology for your Dallas home in the White Rock area, knowing the difference is crucial to ensure you get the home system you really want.
So what is the difference? We define both ‘smart home’ and ‘home automation’ below—and explain why a combined smart home automation system is the way to go.
SEE ALSO: Shine a New Light with Control4’s Vibrant Linear Lighting
Smart Home Control
We define a ‘smart home’ as a centralized system that connects to all your home’s technologies, from audio loudspeakers to security cameras. How you control your smart home is ultimately up to you. Whether you prefer to use your smartphone, tablet, a wall control panel, voice assistant, or all of the above, you can access all parts of your house no matter where you are.
In a Control4 smart home, for instance, you can activate lights, turn on the TV, and choose a playlist for your outdoor audio—all from the same app. Essentially, a ‘smart home’ is a centralized way to control devices that would otherwise be separate.
Home Automation
So what is home automation? Automation takes the smart experience even further, telling your home’s devices how to interact without waiting for a command from you.
For instance, a preset “Good Morning” scene can automatically turn on lights to your preferred brightness and color and gently raise motorized shades across the house. The morning news can independently start on the TV, and soft music can play throughout your house. Do you leave the house around the same time each day? As you step out the door, all your devices will power off, and doors will lock automatically.
The Best of Both Worlds
For the ultimate luxury and convenience, a smart home automation system offers control and automation across your whole house or multiple properties. A sophisticated home system like Control4 provides access to your devices from anywhere in the world. From there, you can create When>>Then automations that prompt devices to react to each other like dominos.
For example, if the projector lowers in the home theater, your lights will dim in response. If your car pulls into the driveway, your landscape and first-floor lights know to brighten instantly. The smart home acts as the brain, while automation proactively anticipates your needs.
If you’re ready to save time, live simply, and enjoy the elegance of a smart home automation system, Integrated Lifestyles is your destination. We program and install home systems in the White Rock neighborhood in Dallas, Texas, that elevates how people live.
