With the advent of technology and technological products, more and more people, intent on buying or renovating a home, are becoming interested in the field of home automation and its benefits. But what is home automation and what is it for?
The term home automation comes from the union of two terms: the Latin domus, meaning house, and the Greek suffix ticos, which indicates the discipline that studies the most suitable technologies to improve well-being and living conditions within one’s home. Home automation is much more than this. It allows for high performance and increases the possibilities offered by the various systems present in homes. One of the greatest advantages of home automation is the optimization of consumption while simultaneously integrating different functions such as control, comfort, security, energy saving, and communication.
How does the home automation system (or home automation system) work?
Unlike a traditional home, where every function is activated via standard controls such as switches and dimmers, which are unable to communicate with each other, a home automation system, as previously mentioned, allows a building’s various systems to interact completely autonomously and independently, as needed. Furthermore, the coordinated management of all devices is applicable to both residential and commercial settings.
Home automation simply translates to the creation of a smart home, a technologically advanced environment that offers benefits to humans. A smart home allows for remote control via a tablet or, more commonly, a mobile phone. Another advantage is the ability to continually expand and update the range of solutions that home automation offers. In fact, the entire system can be initially designed with minimal functions and then added over time; it is only necessary to prepare the system to avoid the need for subsequent construction work.
Where can home automation technology be used?
This system has a variety of applications, including lighting, heating, and security.
One of the main applications, and probably the best-known, is the use of home automation in lighting. This technology allows you to remotely control the switching on, dimming, and turning off of lights. It’s also possible to remotely monitor power load conditions to avoid and prevent blackouts.
A second application, also among the most used and requested, concerns heating and temperature regulation. It’s possible to control and regulate the temperature of the entire building or a portion of it, thus avoiding energy waste and consumption.
A third area of use for home automation concerns building security. By installing alarm systems, such as fire, smoke, or gas detection, and connecting them to the home automation network, an alert will be sent to your device at the first sign of danger. This area also includes surveillance systems, which allow you to monitor both the exterior and interior of your home, and automatic door systems. The latter is particularly interesting, as it allows you to open and close doors, curtains, gates, and shutters as needed, all remotely.
Finally, perhaps less well-known and used, home automation also allows you to control the on and off of household appliances. Specifically, it allows you to program the various washing functions of your washing machine and dishwasher, for example, but also to schedule and turn on garden irrigation according to the most convenient times, possibly taking advantage of sensors that detect rain and humidity.
Home automation system: the Smart home
Smart devices, now available, represent a more economical and equally effective alternative to traditional home automation systems for managing your home.
Unlike traditional home automation systems, smart solutions do not allow for integration between various systems and devices; each system operates independently and performs its function individually. However, they can all be controlled and managed via a wireless network in the home. These devices can be remotely controlled directly from your phone or tablet using numerous dedicated apps or via popular new smart speakers, such as Alexa, Google Home, and so on. This could be considered the main disadvantage of smart homes—the need to download a different app for each system—but at the same time, there’s no need for general wiring, as is the case with traditional systems.
Home automation and the Superbonus
With the introduction of the now-famous Relaunch Decree, costs related to home automation systems can also be deducted. However, according to the Revenue Agency, until December 31, 2021, it will be possible to deduct home automation costs, but only those associated with building automation, i.e., systems related to air conditioning and domestic hot water generation.
To access the incentives, users can choose between two options: the 65% Ecobonus and the 100% Superbonus.
The ENEA guidelines regarding the 110% Superbonus available for home automation work state: “The installation and commissioning of Building Automation systems that enable the customized automatic management of heating, domestic hot water production, or summer air conditioning systems, including their remote control through multimedia channels, are eligible.”
This means that expenses eligible for the tax deduction include the following:
Supply and installation of thermal, electrical, and mechanical equipment, and necessary masonry work for the systems;
Dismantling and decommissioning of existing winter air conditioning systems;
Upgrading of the distribution and distribution network, storage systems, and water treatment systems;
Supply and installation of all appliances;
Professional fees.
To access the Superbonus, certain parameters must be met, established by Article 11 of the Ministry of Economic Development Decree, which includes the following:
Allow remote switching on, off, and weekly programming of systems;
Report energy consumption periodically using multimedia channels;
Display the system’s set temperature and operating conditions;
Comply with national and local building, urban planning, and safety regulations.
Watch out for fines! To avoid falling into this trap and incurring heavy fines, it’s important to retain the relevant documents in case of an inspection by ENEA. The documents to keep include technical documents, invoices, bank transfers, any municipal resolutions, and a copy of the communication to ENEA.
It’s always best to consult professionals to avoid mistakes and ensure optimal results.