- Home automation, according to home automation publication, "Electronic House," refers to the use of electronics and computers to automatically control lighting, home theater systems and other home appliances. Building automation, according to the industry resource, Automated Buildings, refers to the use of various systems to control climate, security and other aspects of a commercial structure.
- A number of building automation processes have found their way into residential use. Computer software applications can monitor home security, switches can control lighting and programmable thermostats allow users to automatically adjust climate control systems to save on costs.
- Just as building automation allows facility managers to reduce the use of expensive systems when the building is empty, home automation systems allow homeowners to save money by turning off heating and air conditioning systems when the house is empty. In addition, home automation systems allow users to automatically adjust lighting when using a home theater and even notify the homeowner of security breaches.