What really is home and building automation?
First, think of all the ways a home or building operates – control, regulation, monitoring and optimization of functions. This could be lighting, HVAC and other technical building equipment as part of a whole smart system. Comfort, security, and energy efficiency are at the core of these functions – in homes, office buildings, restaurants, or in other industrial or commercial properties.
How does a building automation system work?
Building automation is divided into three levels: management level, automation level, field level.
On the field level sensors and actuators are the basis for each technical system in a building. Sensors pick up specific information and pass this on to actuators or the central controller. Examples are brightness level, temperature, and much more. This information is processed and made available for the higher level.
The automation level is the central control of all technical systems – based on the data from the field level. For example, the central controller like the Loxone Miniserver opens the actuator if the temperature in the room is too low. Logics that use the information at the field level and trigger processes are programmed in a software, like Loxone Config.
On the management level, the system is monitored and optimized for building management. The visualization of statistics enables the adaptation of existing configurations.
What is building automation used for?
An intelligent home and building automation system are used to control elements – like heating and cooling, lighting, shading, energy management, and so on – and adjusting it depending on each situation. As an example: if the sun is shining and somebody is in the room, the lights won’t turn on. But if it’s a rainy and cloudy day and the brightness in the room is too dark for a person working in it, the lights will turn on automatically.
Such functions can be realized in all types of projects. Check out some further examples:
Homes
Owners of a house or condo will benefit from more living comfort and energy savings.
Apartments and MDUs
Property developers benefit from more attractive apartments to offer customers and protection for the building.
Hospitality
Hotel or restaurant owners stand out against their competitors and offer the Wow effect to customers.
Office
Business owners max out the energy-saving potentials and create a productive working environment.
Special applications
Brewery, schools, production halls,…. a building automation system can be realized for every kind of project.
Why should I offer a building automation
solution in my projects?
(c) Data Bridge
When buying a car you expect the light turned on automatically when opening the door, right? That’s exactly the direction also the market for home and building automation is going to develop. According to several studies, like Data Bridge or Guidehouse Insights, more and more households, offices,… invest in a home and building automation system. The conventional installation will be left in the dust.
Now’s not the time to fall behind while the trend offers a huge opportunity, especially for the electrical industry. Certain entities may even be eligible for incentives including advanced heating and cooling systems, lighting controls and more in terms of energy.
As an installer, this ties the knot for building owners looking to take advantage of maximum energy benefits that you can help provide.
What are some examples of home and building automation systems?
Which features can be realized depends on the openness and the number of supported interfaces of a system. If you’re using Loxone as solution you can offer your customers:
Lighting
Colour Changing Lighting
Dimming
Daylight Responsive Lighting
Automatic Blinds
Heating
Cooling
Ventilation
Weather Forcasts
Caller Service
Push Notifications
Access
Logging
Ambient Assisted Living
Auto Config
Remote Access
Simulation
Live View
System Controls
Presence Detection
Pool Control
Water Level Monitoring
Presence Simulation
Garden Irrigation
Client/Gateway
Energy Management
Sauna Control
Operating Modes
Solar Panels
Visualisation
Multiroom Audio
Logic
Interfaces
Alarms
Automated Shutoffs
and much more
What is important to know when choosing a building automation solution
The market for home and building controls and management offers a variety of solutions. We get it, they can be tough to choose from. We give you an overview of what to think about when choosing a building automation solution:
All-in-one solution
The system should offer all kind of topics – security, energy management, lighting, heating and much more. One solution for all requirements makes your job easier.
Proof of concept & future-proof
Go for a solution that has been established around the world. If it remains updatable for years to come, it can remain reliable and future-proof.
Free support is a must
Some systems offer support but you have to pay additional fees. Go for a solution with free support. Your success is their success.
Personal contact person
Make sure you get a personal contact person who can help you to plan and realize your unique projects. No additional costs.
Developed for pros by pros
There are many DIY products out there that fail. As a professional electrician, you can add value to an ecosystem of high-quality products that simply work.
Look for more wins
The success of one project should bring you room for future expansion and upgrades later on. Expanding your skillset means you can win in more areas.
How do I get into building automation?
Request more information
The right solution can be a huge factor in your projects success. We get that it’s hard to have an overview about all solutions in the market and which one is the best for you. So we recommend you to get started by getting to know solutions on-hands. Leave us your contact details below and we’re happy to send you more information about the Loxone‚ system.
Or schedule your personal appointment
Book your personal session with Tina to get all the information how to get started with Loxone: Choose a time slot and fill in your contact details. Tina will contact you at the specific time.