What Are the Elements of a Home Automation System?

At the most basic level, home automation systems are made up of three elements: a smart hub, a smartphone application, and a smart device. Let's take a look at what those elements actually are and what they do.

Wi-Fi is one of the most common smart home operating standards. As long as you choose smart devices that work with Wi-Fi, you don't need to go out and buy a separate smart home hub—your internet router will do the trick. 

Other common operating standards include Z-Wave and Zigbee. To cover all your bases, we recommend getting a hub that translates all of these smart home languages, like the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. 

An app is what gives you the ability to control or monitor your smart devices remotely. You simply download the system’s companion app and pair it with your hub, and you’re done.

A mobile app also gives you the ability to fine-tune the device's settings and schedules. While each product’s app works a bit differently, some also show usage reports and give you tips about how to use the device to its full potential.

Once you accumulate a bunch of smart home devices, you might find yourself opening several different apps to control them all. Your smart home hub app—like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant—serve as command central—provided all of your smart home devices work with these hubs, of course.

If you have a hodge-podge of apps with different compatibility, try IFTTT. This app simplifies home automation and lets you set up routines with devices from different brands or operating standards. 

The launch of Matter smart home devices is just around the corner, and it promises to streamline apples-to-oranges smart home control too.

Smart devices are the real workhorses of a smart home system. They’re the parts that actually implement commands. Here are just a few examples of the different types of smart devices you may be able to add to a system.

Home security and access control devices used to connect to a control panel only. Now every home security system worth its salt connects to a smartphone app too. 

Here are some of the most common home security components you'll find on the market with smart home capabilities:

• Full-fledged smart home security systems
• Security cameras
• Electronic door locks
• Door and window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Garage door openers
• Driveway alarms

Even home security key fobs can trigger home automation routines based on their proximity to your system's control panel. For example, you can program the system to arm and the doors to lock when your key fob gets too far away from the control panel—and you'll never worry about forgetting to lock up again.

Almost any appliance could become a part of your home automation system. Smart refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens already exist.

Smaller appliances, such as connected coffee pots and slow cookers, have been around for a while, too. But remember, they're not really "smart" unless they can be controlled by a smartphone app.

And let's not forget about those game-changing robot vacuums.

Smart climate controls help keep your home comfortable and your utility bills low. Here are common examples:

• Thermostats
• Air purifiers
• Humidifiers
• Dehumidifiers

Smart energy management devices include remote sprinkler controls, water leak detectors, and energy monitoring devices. Smart plugs and remote control electrical outlets fall into this category, too.

When paired with a compatible voice hub, smart home entertainment devices let you turn on a TV show without ever digging the remote out of the couch. What a world. 

Aside from smart TVs, this category also includes smart speakers.

A smart smoke detector sends an alarm to your phone, allowing you to take action even if you aren't home. Smart carbon monoxide detectors and radon detectors do the same.

Smart health care devices are finally catching on. In some cases, you can invite your healthcare provider to access the data collected from the app. You can find bathroom scales, blood pressure monitors, medication trackers, and even some medical alert systems with a smart home twist. 

There's a surprising variety of smart lights and controls on the market, including some of our favorites:

• Light bulbs
• Light switches
• Outdoor security lights

Smart devices exist for pretty much any modern problem. Check out these too:

• Pet cameras
• Smart devices for new parents

Now that you understand the basic elements of home automation, head over to our Beginners Guide to Home Automation to learn more.

• Best Home Security Apps
• What Are the Benefits of Home Automation?
• Can I Upgrade an Existing or Older Home with Smart Home Technology?
• Does Home Automation Increase Home Value?
• What Wiring Do I Need for a Home Automation System?