Do it Yourself and Save

Many people want to save a few bucks and install their own home automation system and we can't blame you for it. However, we feel we owe it to you to at least explain all that's involved in the DIY home automation before helping you to do it yourself.

Multiple Skills Required to Do It Yourself

First, let me applaud you for wanting to install your own home automation system by yourself. It shows some real tenacity, and we want to help you where we can. Try to remember that you will probably need skills in drywall, carpentry and finish carpentry, electricity and electronics in order to do it yourself and actually save money. If you are uncertain, please contact us to provide a free home automation consultation to help you with your do it yourself installation.

Components of a DIY Home Automation System

Home automation is a complicated system. However, if you look at the individual components, you can see better how the function as a whole to automate your home. As can be expected, each will need to be installed a certain way to make it reliable and effective. The main components of a home automation system are:

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  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Remote Control
  • Sensors
  • Actuators

• The CPU

Your CPU is the brain of the home automation system and will keep everything by means of a computer program. Using either wireless signals (WiFi) or cables, it will pass your instructions to a particular component when you want it to do so. Skills needed to install and connect your CPU are basic electrical and electronics knowledge as well as carpentry (for cable management)

• Sensors

The sensors in your system will receive signals from the CPU and send a signal to a component to activate it (via the actuator). The signal may be sent through wires and cables or wirelessly.  Skills needed to install this portion of the system are home repair skills (attaching components properly) and knowledge of radio signals (to prevent interference from other equipment) as well as electrical wiring and cable management.

• Actuators

The actuator is the "work horse" of the home automation system. It takes a signal (sent by the sensor) and tells a piece of equipment to do something. Some examples of actuators are motors to open and close blinds, solenoids to turn on sprinkler systems, and solenoids to control your HVAC system. Skills needed to install these actuators will usually be elecrical as well as electronics and plumbing.

• Trial By Fire

If you are ready to at least perform part of your DIY home automation, then please give us a call. We are ready to help you with all your home automation needs, even if you want to do some -or all- of the installation yourself. Calling us can save you a lot of trouble with your DIY home automation project.