Once the domain of the tech-savvy, home automation is becoming increasingly popular among Australian home owners, with new systems offering convenience and energy efficiency.

Technology, such as connected entertainment systems, has opened the door to smarter Australian homes. However, while more Australians are experimenting with home automation, many overlook or are unaware of the opportunities to enhance their homes with smart technology further. This means they are missing out on the comfort, convenience, and control that an integrated smart home can provide.

This is where electricians can be invaluable. By being a trusted guide for all things related to electrical home design, electricians are in a unique position to educate home owners on how to enhance their homes to better suit their lifestyle. The good news is that the research backs that up, with Australians considering electricians the most trusted among all trades.

Furthermore, with the rising cost of living, home owners are increasingly aware of the impact energy bills have on their budget, while the more conscious consumer is also mindful of the high greenhouse gas emissions that the average household can produce. Ultimately, lower energy use means lower emissions and smaller bills. Optimising your home’s energy efficiency with smart products is a great way to do that while adding comfort to your lifestyle as an added benefit. In fact, adding smart home technology functions to the home not only reduces emissions, it shaves an estimated AU$150-$300 off the average annual power bill.

To put the scale of residential energy consumption into perspective, Australian homes produce one-fifth of the nation’s carbon emissions and average household energy use generates over seven tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This is mainly driven by heating and cooling systems, which contribute to around 40% of the total of homes’ greenhouse gas emissions. The remaining contributors include appliances (one-third), hot water (one-fifth) and lighting (6%). Therefore, the time is now to learn about smart homes, with Australians spending a record $one billion a month on home renovations, and federal budgets promising one million new homes by 2025.

Electricians will know that home owners who are keen on smart home technology generally fall into two camps. Firstly, those who are enthused by the idea of having their home work around them, and those who want their homes to be more energy efficient but are sceptical about whether the initial cost is worth it. Both groups want help to create the perfect home and electricians must be able to tactfully advise both.

An important part of home automation to be aware of is that it is, contrary to popular belief, scalable. There is a smart home solution to suit any lifestyle or home set-up, even if a consumer simply wants lighting and temperature control to start with. For example, Clipsal Wiser Smart Home is a great solution for everyone because it is scalable. This means customers can automate as little or as much as they’d like or can afford. New products can be included as users’ confidence with smart home technology grows, their needs or budget change, or families get bigger.

There is a huge opportunity for the modern, entrepreneurial electrician to grow their business and set themselves up for the future. ‘Smart sparkies’ – those who are skilled in smart home technology – are now at the forefront of the modern electrical industry. Soon, this will be a skill required of everyone in the trade as they begin to play an even greater role in the energy transition. Now, more so than ever, following the Australian government’s commitment to move from fossil-based fuels to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Renewable energy and energy efficiency measures can potentially achieve 90% of the required carbon reductions.

Electricians looking to become accredited in smart home installation can take advantage of the free training offered by Clipsal to become a Wiser Approved Installer for smart home installation or join the EcoXpert program on growing technical expertise and commercial knowledge to gain a competitive edge.

From saving money, to helping to save the planet, electricians are set to play an increasingly important role in the homes of Australians. No longer is the ‘home of the future’ just a concept, the opportunities are there and ready for the taking.

This article was written by Chris Kerr, Clipsal by Schneider Electric’s vice president. Visit this link for more information about becoming a Wiser Approved Installer