How to create automated scenarios for different times of the day

Can you imagine a home that adapts to you, automatically, all day long? A smart home that anticipates your needs and makes your life easier. This is possible thanks to home automation, and best of all, it's easier than you think.

Home Automation: A Smart Day

Home automation isn't just for tech geeks. It's a way to create environments that help you wake up energized, relax after work and feel safe at night. And all this, without you having to lift a finger (well, almost).

Let's explore how to create automated scenarios for different times of the day, from sunrise to bedtime. Get ready to transform your home into a smart, connected space.

Sunrise: Awakening with Energy

Starting the day the right way is crucial. Forget the blaring alarm clock and opt for a more natural waking experience.

Simulation of sunrise: Smart lights can gradually start to illuminate your room about 30 minutes before your wake-up time. This process mimics natural light and prepares your body to wake up more gently.
Soft music: Set your smart speaker to play a playlist of relaxing music.
Automated opening of blinds: If you have motorized blinds, program them to open automatically at the same time the lights are turned on.
Coffee preparation: With a smart plug, you can program your coffee maker to start brewing coffee just before you get up. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

An example of (simplified) code for an automation system could be:

Time	Action	Device
6:30 AM	Turn on lights (gradual increase)	Intelligent Lights
6:45 AM	Play relaxing music	Smart Speaker
Seven in the morning	Open blinds	Motorized Blinds
Seven in the morning	Turning on the coffee maker	Smart plug

Tomorrow: Getting Ready to Go

Once you're awake, automation can continue to help you get ready to go.

Weather information: Your smart speaker can read you the weather forecast as you get ready.
Morning news: Listen to a summary of the most important news while having breakfast.
Automatic light shut-off: Program the lights to turn off automatically when you leave the house.
Thermostat setting: Lower the temperature to save energy while you are away. A smart thermostat learns your preferences and adjusts automatically.

Noon: A Smart Break (if you work from home)

If you work from home, you can use automation to create a more productive environment during the day.

Optimized lighting for work: Adjust the lights to be brighter and more focused during working hours.
Productivity alerts: Schedule reminders to take regular breaks and stretch.
Noise control: If you have noise cancellation devices, you can program them to activate automatically during important meetings.

Afternoon: Relaxation and Welcome

After a long day, automation can help you relax and enjoy your home.

Soft lighting: Dim the lights to create a more relaxing environment.
Ambient music: Plays quiet music or nature sounds.
Thermostat setting: It raises the temperature to make the house warm and cozy.
Opening of the main door (if you are expecting someone): Receive a notification and open the door remotely when someone arrives home.

An example "Welcome" scenario might include:

Detect arrival at home (by geolocation of the phone).
Deactivate the security system.
Turn on the hall and living room lights to a soft level.
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.
Play a list of relaxing music.

Night: Safety and Preparation for Sleep

Automation can also help you create a safe and relaxing environment before bedtime.

Exterior lighting: Make sure the outside of your home is well lit.
Activation of the security system: Set up the security system before going to bed.
Closing of blinds: Close the blinds for privacy and security.
Shutdown of all devices: Turn off lights, television and other electronic devices you don't need.
Night light: Turn on a dim night light in the hallway or bathroom.

Consider creating a "Good Night" scenario that:

Turn off all lights in the house, except for a dim night light.
Assemble the security system.
Close the blinds.
Lower the thermostat to save energy at night.

Recommendations and Best Practices

To get the most out of home automation, keep these tips in mind:

Start small. Don't try to automate everything at once. Choose a few key areas to start with and expand your system gradually. Starting with lighting is a good place to start.
Choose compatible devices: Make sure all your devices are compatible with each other and with your home automation system. Do your research and choose reputable brands.
It uses a central hub: A central hub allows you to control all your devices from a single application. Consider a hub such as Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple HomePod.
Customize your scenarios: Don't limit yourself to predefined scenarios. Create custom scenarios that suit your needs and preferences.
Safety first: Secure your Wi-Fi network and home automation devices to protect your privacy and security. Change default passwords and use two-factor authentication when possible.
Keep the system up to date: Regularly update the firmware of your devices and home automation applications to correct errors and improve security.
Back up your configuration: If something goes wrong, you can easily restore your configuration.

Examples of Advanced Integration

Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can explore more advanced automation options:

Integration with irrigation systems: Automatically adjusts the watering of your garden according to the weather forecast.
Integration with surveillance systems: Receive real-time alerts if motion is detected on your property.
Integration with household appliances: Control your washer, dryer and other appliances remotely.
Location-based automation: Automatically adjust your home settings when you arrive or leave home.

Common Problems and Solutions

Although home automation is becoming easier and easier, you may run into some problems. Here are some common solutions:

Problem	Solution
Unresponsive devices	Check the Wi-Fi connection, reboot the device, check the batteries.
Scenarios that do not run correctly	Check the stage configuration, make sure all devices are connected.
Compatibility problems	Research compatibility before purchasing new devices, update firmware.
Security issues	Change default passwords, enable two-factor authentication.

Conclusion

Home automation offers a host of benefits, from improving comfort and security to saving energy and time. By creating automated scenarios for different times of the day, you can transform your home into a smart, connected space that adapts to your needs and preferences. Start small, experiment and have fun exploring the possibilities of home automation.

Ready to start automating your home? Share this article with your friends and family and start creating your smart home today! Let us know in the comments which automated scenarios sound most interesting to you!