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Sometimes I look around my living room—lights set to the perfect brightness, the heater warming things up just right—and think, “When did I turn into The Jetsons?” But that’s the beauty of home automation these days: it just happens, seamlessly blending into our routines without a fuss. Especially here in Canberra, where the weather likes to switch from a crisp morning chill to a bright sunny afternoon in the blink of an eye, a bit of clever tech can make life a lot more comfortable.
If you’ve ever wandered through suburbs like Ainslie or Yarralumla, you’ve seen the mix of older homes and new developments side by side. One minute, you’re gazing at a traditional weatherboard cottage; the next, you’re peering into a modern townhouse with solar panels on the roof. It only makes sense that in a city this eclectic, home automation has taken off—some people want heritage charm outside and a 21st-century setup inside.
Let’s talk temperature, because this city is notorious for cold mornings, warm afternoons, and occasionally frosty evenings—even in autumn. Smart thermostats are a lifesaver if you often find yourself rushing out the door and forgetting to adjust the heating. They let you fine-tune your indoor climate from your phone (or a voice assistant), so you’re not coming home to a sauna when the day warms up. It’s also handy for cutting down on those winter energy bills—if you’ve ever opened a power statement in July and nearly fainted, you know what I mean.
Worried about older wiring?
No shame in that. A quick look at your switchboard might be all you need for peace of mind, and if it’s due for an update, Watts Needed Electrical can get you sorted.
Ever found yourself halfway through a movie wishing you didn’t have to get up to dim the lights? Now you can just say, “Hey Google, lights off,” and voilà—instant cinema setting. Or if you’re out late in Braddon and want your porch light on before you get home, a quick tap on your phone does the trick. Smart bulbs can even shift between warm and cool tones, which is brilliant for those late-night study sessions versus early-morning coffee rituals.
There’s a reason more Canberrans are installing smart smoke alarms. Aside from the standard alert, some models will send notifications straight to your phone if they detect smoke or carbon monoxide. In older areas like Weston Creek, where homes can still have older wiring hidden away, that extra warning can make all the difference. Plus, certain power strips automatically shut off if they sense an overload, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
We’ve reached a point where fridges text you if you’re out of milk and washing machines ping your phone the second a cycle finishes. Is it overkill or the best thing since sliced bread? I’d argue it’s brilliant—especially if you’re prone to leaving a load of washing in the machine too long. In Canberra’s frosty winters, who really wants to trudge downstairs unnecessarily?
You can also invest in security cameras or doorbell cams that let you peek at your front door from your office in Civic. Perfect if you’re expecting a parcel and want to give instructions in real time. It’s all about convenience, and yes, a bit of fun too.
The good news is you don’t need to demolish your walls to enjoy home automation. A few smart bulbs here, a voice assistant in the kitchen, maybe a thermostat or two—and boom, you’ve got a setup that can be expanded later. It’s surprisingly budget-friendly if you go step by step.
Whether you’re eyeing a single smart speaker or planning a full-blown connected home, it’s easier than ever to dive in—and the benefits, from energy savings to peace of mind, can be huge.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your place, or you’re just a little curious about what’s possible, don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, with the right setup, you can handle your home’s lighting, heating, and security from wherever you happen to be—just another reason Canberra is moving with the times, one smart device at a time.
