The concept of a smart home – one in which you can control and coordinate multiple electrical equipments through a single interface – is not new, but it has yet to gain traction. That’s going to change, thanks to rising consumer demand and the entry of technological behemoths Apple, Google, and Samsung.

Home Automation kits can cost as little as $500 if your home is modest and requires little alterations to the electrical system or $3,000 to $7,000 for a bigger system. Home security systems, surveillance cameras, an automatic front or garage door, as well as lighting, cooling and heating, and curtains, may all be linked via smart home technology.

With the control system, you can turn on and off your fans, lights, air conditioner, and heater with a single click, and you can even plan the heating and cooling of your home based on when you come and leave the house.

How Much Does Home Automation Technician Cost?

The installation, testing and repair of the electrical system in your home and individual devices must be carried out by an electrician with a valid licence or an accredited home automation installer.

This also includes the installation of any home automation system that needs to be integrated or connected to your home’s electrical system. The smart home automation cost will depend on various factors, such as your home wiring system, which in some cases may require updating to accommodate the electrical specifications of your home automation system.

Generally, a home automation technician will charge you an average of $85 per hour on home automation installation.

What is Home Automation System, and What are its Benefits?

Home Automation Systems control and manage the devices and systems in a house through a central hub and are often linked to a computer or smartphone.

While home automation systems began as stand-alone devices, today’s trend is to integrate them with home security systems and smart appliances linked to a central hub. Here are the five main benefits of home automation systems:

1. Managing All Your Home Devices From One Place

Home automation systems allow you to control, manage and monitor all the electronic devices in your home from one place, whether you are home or outside your home.

If you have a home automation system fitted, you can control lighting, heating, air conditioning and other appliances from your smartphone or computer, wherever you may be.

2. Good for the Environment

Controlling your heating and cooling systems with home automation systems extends the lifespan of the equipment and reduces your energy costs, which can have a positive long-term impact on the environment.

With home automation, rooms that are not used frequently can be kept at the temperature you want during the times when you are not there. The system will know when you are on your way home and adjust accordingly.

3. Home Automation System Can Save You Money

The ability to control your home’s heating and cooling systems remotely is eco-friendly and saves you money. Each year, you can save around 10% on your annual power bill if you are able to manage your home’s temperature remotely.

4. Home Security

With a home automation system, you can monitor your home from anywhere. You can set up a security system and access it from anywhere you are. This way, if you notice anything unusual, you can check it remotely with your smartphone or computer to determine whether there is an intruder in your home.

5. Save Time

We don’t even have time to think about our house because we live in such a fast-paced lifestyle. We can save time returning back to our home and making sure everything is in order with home automation, such as whether the kids close the door from school or switch on the lights when you arrive home.

What Can You Achieve With Smart Home Automation?

There is no limit to the functionality you can attain in your smart home with the correct technology and experience. All you have to do is select what you want to do and the best technique to accomplish it. Here are some of the most prevalent applications of home automation that you may wish to explore more:

1. Indoor and Outdoor Lighting

The lighting of your home interior and exterior can be controlled through a home automation system. Lights can be set up on timers, or with a sensor fitted to the main door of your home.

2. Home Security

With home automation systems, you can manage security devices such as a burglar alarm and remote video surveillance so that you can see the footage anytime from anywhere. You can also arm and disarm your security devices from your phone or computer.

3. Door and Window Locks

Home automation systems allow you to manage your door and window locks to set up security and privacy for your home.

4. Blinds, Shades, Shutters, and Curtains

You can get your blinds, shades and curtains to open and close based on the time and sunlight. You can also set it up to close when you are not at home. Light-filtering window treatments can be programmed to raise or lower depending on the time of day.

5. Heating and Cooling Systems

With home automation, you can set up your heating and cooling system to turn on and off depending on the temperature and time of the day. You can set up a schedule for the heating and cooling of individual rooms.

6. Water Systems

Water usage can be regulated efficiently with home automation systems. This can be done by setting up a schedule for your water supply or valves. If there is an impending flood, you can shut off the water immediately.

7. Phone and Internet Lines

Your home automation system can be used to control your phone and internet lines. You can schedule the phone to forward its calls or use it to give a dial tone when you’re away.

8. Thermostats

You can control your thermostats with a home automation system. You can schedule your temperature with a thermostat that can be set to turn on or off at predetermined times.

9. Home Theatre Systems and Speakers

Home automation systems allow you to control home theatre systems, so you can schedule a movie or set up a slide show when you are not home.

10. Smoke Alarms

You can use your home automation system to turn on your smoke alarms in case of a fire. When the smoke alarm is triggered, your home automation system will sound the alarm in high-pitched beeps.

11. Detecting Water and Gas Leaks

The sensors in a home automation system can be used to detect water and gas leaks. A water leak sensor will turn on an alarm and notify you immediately.

Smart Home Automation System Cost

Home automation costs an average of $728. Installation costs between $181 to $1,336 according to some sites, while it can cost up to $3,000 according to others. A fully automated average 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home could cost up to $15,000 in smart home setup, installation, and equipment. A fully connected luxury house costs between $10,000 and $150,000.

Other Factors That Affect the Cost of Home Automation

Other than the electrical systems and devices in your home, other factors further affect the cost of installing a home automation system.

These factors include:

• The cost of your home automation equipment and devices
• The size and area of your home
• The number of devices installed in your home
• The communication network and computer that is installed in your home
• Additional security features for your home
• The number and complexity of systems you want to install

Home automation installation and repair is considered a part of electrical wiring and will have to be carried out by skilled and licensed automation technicians. They will charge you an hourly rate, depending on their experience, expertise, and the job’s complexity.

You will also have to pay for the cost of repairing or replacing the components that can be attributed to the installation of the home automation system.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Home Automation Technician

There are many benefits to hiring a professional home automation system installer.

Here are the top three benefits:

1. Quick Installation Time

When you need your home automation system installed in a short period, you may want to hire a professional home automation installer.

They will know exactly where to put the devices and how to connect them with the home’s existing devices.

2. Higher Quality of Work

A professional home automation technician will ensure that your home automation system is of the highest quality. They will ensure that all components are well-wired and that everything is up to code.

3. Save Up On Time and Money

If you hire a professional home automation installer, you can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time. You will save time and money if you hire a professional instead of doing the job yourself.

How to Find Professional Home Automation Technicians Near You

Finding the right home automation technician for your specific automation needs can be as complex as the installation itself. Fortunately, HIREtrade’s web and app-based platform lets homeowners access our Australia-wide network of tradies, automation electricians included. Post a job and get up to three free quotes today!