Automation is, unsurprisingly, one of the two main characteristics of home automation. Automation refers to the ability to program and schedule events for the devices on the network. The programming may include time-related commands, such as having your lights turn on or off at specific times each day. It can also include non-scheduled events, such as turning on all the lights in your home when your security system alarm is triggered.

One clear advantage of home automation is the unmatched potential for energy savings, and therefore cost savings. Your thermostat is already "smart" in the sense that it uses a temperature threshold to govern the home's heating and cooling system.