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Even if you aren’t sure what building automation is, there is a good chance that you have already benefited from it without knowing. That’s because building automation systems are designed to make our lives easier in both commercial and residential buildings. You may even have a form of building automation in your own home. For example, a smart thermostat or a smart light bulb are small pieces of automation that people are using to help make their daily lives easier. Today, we are going to be discussing building automation systems—also known as BAS systems—of all sizes to learn a little bit more about how they work and how they can improve our lives while lessening our environmental impact over time. Let’s dive in!

What Makes Up a Building Automation System?

A complete building automation system requires several components to complete complex functions. To get started talking about building automation, the first thing we need to explore is the different building systems that can be automated. Depending on the tenants or building usage, these systems are likely to differ. However, for most buildings, it is common to have HVAC, lighting, plumbing, and security systems automated thanks to a network of sensors connected to the BAS.

More complex buildings—like a sports arena for example—are likely to use a network of sensors that help automate guest or employee experiences. For example, these sensors might be installed in areas of the building that tend to be overcrowded to alert staff when crowd control is needed. Large commercial buildings may also opt for additional sensors to help janitorial staff clean restrooms more efficiently. These sensors are often installed in soap and paper towel dispensers to notify employees when one of the restrooms requires additional supplies. One of the most exciting aspects of building automation is that new applications are being developed every day! In the near future, you may see more innovations in both commercial and residential buildings.

To give you a better idea of the different elements that allow the sensors to speak to the BAS and automate the building systems, let’s take a look at the individual components that make up a BAS.

Sensors – Different types of sensors can be installed throughout the property to collect data for the systems in the building. These sensors can include motion sensors, light sensors, occupancy sensors, water sensors for plumbing purposes, and more. These sensors then transport the data to the controller.

Controller – The controller takes the data from the sensors, synthesizes it, and then sends the commands to the building systems automatically.

Output devices – The output devices actuate the commands from the controller. For example, lights are dimmed, HVAC systems are turned off, or security cameras are turned on.

Communication Protocols – Communication protocol refers to the language used to communicate between the different devices in the automation system.

Interface – To access the BAS, the building manager needs an interface to access important data. In layman’s terms, the interface is the central display that turns the raw data into readable information.

Now that we know a little bit more about the different parts of a building automation system, let’s take a look at how they stay connected.

Home automation is more popular than ever, so it’s no surprise that there’s more demand for smart home devices than ever. Now, almost every device sold for your home is capable of automation. With so many options on the market, many homeowners get overwhelmed or aren’t sure where to start. Thankfully, we’re here to show you some of the easiest ways you can automate your home. Whether it’s a DIY project or a Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting installation, we’ll show you how you can get started automating the most important devices in your home. Let’s take a look at some of the easiest ways you can turn your home into a smart home.

Use PoE Lighting Technology for Adaptive Lighting

The easiest place to start when it comes to home automation is PoE lighting!

For most homeowners, the best place to start home automation is with your lighting systems. Automated lighting is not only impressive, it is good for your bank account and your sleep patterns. That’s right, when you install a PoE lighting system using LED lights, you are experiencing a more natural white light that isn’t as hard on your eyes as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. When you choose to automate your lighting, your options are endless. You can install sensors that automatically respond to outdoor light levels. These sensors communicate along the ethernet cables connecting your LED lights — causing your lighting to adjust in real time. With so many different smart lighting settings available, homeowners can redesign their home lighting using simple controls on a smart device.

If you’re looking for a more simple DIY smart lighting solution, you can buy motion-sensor WiFi light bulbs that you can also control using a smart device.

Optimize Your Home Security

After your PoE lighting system is installed, you can use the same ethernet cables to operate your security system.

Home security is a top priority for many households, and by using PoE connections you can keep your home extra secure. PoE technology allows for communication between smart door locks and your smart device — meaning that you can remotely lock and unlock your home when needed. So, if you ever forget your keys, it’s not an issue. Paired with PoE lighting, smart home security adds an extra layer of automation to protect your property. When your smart security system is integrated with smart lighting, you can use motion sensors that detect outdoor movement. Once movement is detected your outdoor lights will automatically turn on, deterring any potential burglars.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to automate your home and save money is by installing a smart thermostat.

Pivoting from whole home installations to smaller DIY projects, it’s time to talk about programmable thermostats. Every year, most homeowners find that their heating and cooling costs make up about 50% of their monthly energy bill. Programmable thermostats are an excellent way to save up to 15% on each energy bill. A smart, programmable thermostat lets you control, automate, and closely monitor your home temperature from your smart device. Using your thermostat you can schedule temperature changes and set up environmental sensors that ensure that your HVAC system remains efficient.

Stay Safe With Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

You don’t want to take the chance of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.

One of the more important things you can do with home automation and smart devices is ensure your home safety. To prevent accidental fires or carbon monoxide poisoning, you should install a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector. When you install a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector, the device will automatically send a notification to your phone if smoke is discovered or your device is running out of batteries. That way, no matter where you are, you can make sure that your home is safe.

Automate Your Outdoor Sprinkler System

Make lawn care easier by installing a smart sprinkler system for your outdoor space.

Moving away from safety precautions and on to lawn care convenience, it’s time to talk about automated sprinkler systems. If you live in a hot climate, it’s likely that you have to take special care to keep your lawn looking pristine. Smart sprinkler systems are here to simplify the lawn care process. Now, you’ll never have to worry about whether or not you watered your lawn. 

A fully automated sprinkler system also allows you to customize your lawn care preferences. For example, some smart sprinkler systems allow for up to 8 zones that operate individually of one another. This is especially useful for diverse outdoor spaces that have different watering needs in each area. Not only that, but automated sprinkler systems also help you save water as well.

If you’re considering turning your home into a smart home, now you have a few ideas to help you get started. Even by automating just a few parts of your home or installing PoE lighting, you can save money and simplify your life. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to bring your home into the world of automation.