I used to live alone, and travel quite a bit for work. I started with sensors like water sensors in the sump area of my basement, window/door sensors, temperature sensors and a chincy USB web camera on the cats’ feeding area to make sure they were staying fed and watered. It was peace of mind that things were OK at home while I was away, and let me call in help if something was awry.

After I started my family, I got tired of chasing people around to turn off lights, TVs and game systems when they were done, to turn on/off fans in the bathrooms and stuff like that. It was easier to just let the system deal with it. Couple of unsaved games getting lost later, and they got the hint.

Eventually we had new families on the block and neighbors started having packages go missing, so i installed cameras over my front & back porches to alert for deliveries, or at least provide instant replay for where DID that package go after it was dropped off? Its been as effective a deterrent as it’s been useful to see how much traffic my front porch gets weekly. You’d be surprised how many solicitors come through sometimes.

So while I do lights and fans and sensors and stuff, I don’t bother with things like window shades, automating coffee makers or wrangling Roombas.

Now I’m looking into deploying a small satellite system at my mom’s condo because she lives alone and is getting older. We’ve talked about installing some PIR and mmWave presence sensors to detect activity, and also some assistance buttons in her private spaces. She doesnt want cqmeras, and she hasn’t committed to it yet but she likes the idea we can check up on her remotely without her having to give up any of her prvacy or independence to an outside party.

So it’s about more than just geeking out and being a creature of comfort. There are practical applications in security, energy management and health/safety to consider as well.