this post was submitted on 23 Nov 2023
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Home Automation

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Home automation is the residential extension of building automation.

It is automation of the home, housework or household activity.

Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security.

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Are home smart devices really worth the money? Is it really convenient and time saving?

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[–] kycnyc28@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

smart home devices are totally worth it! they save so much time and make life way more convenient. once you start using them, you won't want to go back!

[–] AllonisDavid@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Just depends on what you need.

For example, I extended wires out and down my driveway. But because it was an addon, I wasnt' able to switch those lines (one big cable feeding a subpanel outside that splits to several circuits).

So, I just put some smart relays on the individual circuits to control.

My automation system (Allonis myServer 6) can then control each of those circuits by time (nighttime), by event (Holiday lights), or manually. so yeah, in that instance it's a big convenience not to have to put a jacket and shoes on to go outside to turn on / off old fashioned manual light switches.

Since it's the beginning of the holiday season, I just plug some smart relays into wall outlets and put lighted decorations into those just for the season. Then the automation system turns them on / off at the right times. That's dozens of things that historically, would have to run around the house and property to unplug / plug in.

Since there are a zillion possible uses, it's hard to say how it will help you. What are your anticipated needs?

[–] r3tryfail@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Is automating repetitive, menial tasks beneficial? Hell yes, if it's shit you don't want to do repetitively. The monetary value is equal to how much life it gives in return for something you don't want to do.

Is randomly buying consumer "smart devices" worth it? No. That's way too general a question and most are just network security holes or short-lived, proprietary ewaste.

[–] criterion67@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

No, we've all been deceived and are mindlessly throwing our money away to support the evil overlords. 🤣 These can't possibly be serious questions. How could you not know the answers to both of these questions, given the vast number of smart home products being sold and the millions of people using and posting about how they use them. Your post is like asking if a microwave is really worth the money, convenient and time saving. 😂