Home automation has become and essential part of home ambiance these days. And while you’re going out to shop for an automation system it is essential to know what technologies are out and what suits you the best. This week we will discuss Z-Wave technology and its scope in home automation solutions. Z wave refers to one of the wireless communication technology designed for home automation, specifically to remote control applications in residential and light commercial environments.

A good thing about Z wave is that it is a low-power wireless technology that operates on lower frequencies therefore it is largely impervious to interference from common household wireless electronics, such as Wi-Fi routers, cordless telephones and Bluetooth devices that work on greater frequency range. Additionally, it an open source technology with low power consumption and low cost of manufacture and therefore can be easily embedded in consumer electronics products, including battery operated devices such as remote controls, smoke alarms and security sensors.

Z wave for Remote Control and supervision

When it comes to remote home control and management, Z wave is easy, cost-effective and far reaching. Firstly, with Z wave there are no installations and wiring and therefore this can function well in old houses lacking neutral wiring. Secondly, adding and managing Z wave modules is as simple as pushing plug into the socket and then you are all set to control electronics such as lighting, climate and security systems remote control, based on manual or automated decisions. The control can be applied to a single device or group of devices, in a single room or zone or throughout the entire home. Thirdly Z wave technology provides extra access as they can be integrated with the broadband internet technology through the help of gateway technology.

Z wave and energy saving

Z wave due its daylight sensors and grouped scene controls is able to give the best of energy management around the home as well as office premises. In addition to this because of its daylight sensors it falls fit for energy management in the green home. The above features also make Z wave better and smarter for thermostat control and minimizing unnecessary energy consumption by various all-off states for systems throughout the home, such as lighting, appliances and home entertainment systems.

Z wave and home security

Home automation is of no use if the technology fails to provide practical application. Z wave technology adds big time to those traditional security systems by addressing the real life conditions. As an example, the opening of a Z-Wave enabled door lock can de-activate a security system and turn on lights when children arrive home from school, and send a notification to a parent’s PC or cell phone via the Internet. Opening a Z-Wave enabled garage door can trigger exterior and interior home lights, while a Z-Wave motion detector can trigger an outdoor security light and a webcam, which would allow the end user to monitor the home while away.

Z wave and Home Entertainment

Through Z-Wave it’s possible to put devices under groups and give single as well as conditional commands. This is what makes it popular for managing home entertainment systems. For example, a simple “Play DVD” command on the remote control could turn on the needed components, set them to the correct inputs and even lower motorized shades and dim the room lights.

How annoying it is to wake up in the midnight to turn down AC realizing that it has gone too chilly. How many times have you forgotten to switch off some light before leaving your home? Have you been staying home on weekend morning to wash your clothes? Well there was a time when we had no choice but now that we have what they call Home automation systems why compromise on lifestyle. Home Automation systems might be a new term for many but it is a lifestyle concept that is here to stay. These systems are being successfully used in the western countries but for India this is slightly new-fangled.

For those who are not aware, a home automation system automates household surroundings, triggering events and routines involving light fixtures, security components and the heating/cooling system based on the time of day, temperature or any other condition that you select. For instance, when a sensor detects a vehicle in your driveway, your home automation system could turn on your lights. These systems consist of three main components; sensor devices, automation software and the underlying technology. While the sensors are used to interact with various devices and appliances, the software serves as the central control system that offers user friendly interfaces to monitor and manage the integrated gadgets and appliances. The software can also be installed on the PDA, mobiles and other handheld devices to support the remote access feature.

As far as the technologies are concerned, there are many depending upon the transmission mediums like electrical wiring, telephone line, infrared, radio frequency etc. The most popular and convenient technology out these days is the Z-wave technology that works on radio frequency. Home automation systems based on Z-wave technology are the most easy to install and free from the hassles of wiring. All one needs to do is instead of directly plugging the device into the main socket you plug it in a Z-wave module which then goes into the main socket. After this all the relevant appliances and devices are integrated with the software on home pc with the help of Z-wave modules using interfaces offered by the software. You can then access integrated devices remotely from anywhere through the internet or the voice command.

There are different types of automation systems depending upon the technology, features, responsiveness and the access. A commonly used home automation system suitable for most households usually consists features like controlling lighting, appliances, gadgets, doors and windows, scheduling routine tasks based on time, temperature etc, monitoring energy consumption, security feature such as remote web camera access, triggering alarm etc. So while you take care of the things that matter more repetitive and mundane tasks can take care of themselves. You might not think this as a necessity but this sure is an added convenience. So, all those living under the impression of having a well furnished modern house, here is something more to today’s modern homes that you might be missing.