It is estimated that 38.2 million homes in the U.S. will have smart home systems installed by 2019. This is an increase from the 10 million households who had them in 2014. Home automation systems help you to manage or control your home using applications or devices that are connected to the Internet.

Any home can be transformed into a smart one without needing the help of others. While most people are familiar with technology that is used to program lights, control temperatures and provide security, there are many other options that are also available. Here are a few easy applications and systems that can help to get you started on the path to home automation.

Remotely checking on your pet

There are a large number of products that can be used to check on your pet. Options are available from Misafes, Pet Scout, Motorola and Piper, among others. These include wireless camera systems so you can see what your pet is doing anytime. Some of these include two-way audio so you can talk to your pet from a remote location.

If you have an area that is off-limits for your pet, there are options such as the Belkin NetCam that will send you an email if your pet goes in there. You can choose either any wireless camera system or instead select one specifically designed for pet monitoring.

Automated cleaning

People who hate vacuuming may want to choose the iRobot Roomba 980 Vacuum Cleaning Robot. This vacuum cleaner has an internal camera that it uses to map your home’s layout. It has an app that can be used to schedule cleaning at any time and from anywhere. All you have to do to start it is simply tap on your installed app. Other similar automated cleaners include the Miele Scout, the bObsweep bObi and the Samsung POWERbot.

Automated personal assistant

Automated personal assistants allow you to do such things as listen to your preferred music channels, hear the news, get the weather or traffic reports and control your smart home devices. These are activated by your voice, and the most well-known one is the Amazon Echo. An alternative is the ivee, which should be available for ordering and shipping soon.

Watering plants

Tableau is an automated plant watering system that takes away the need to set reminders for yourself. This system can be used even when you will be gone, allowing you to know your plants will be healthy and thrive. Tableau can water up to three plants for a month and tracks the amount of water each plant receives.

Remote cooking

Wi-fi slow cookers are home automation systems that can help improve your efficiency. You can use the Crock-Pot WeMo Smart Slow Cooker to start cooking your dinner using the free app. If you will be gone longer than you had thought, you can also remotely change the timer so your food won’t be cold or overcooked.

Monitoring water leaks

Home automation can also help you to monitor water leaks in areas where leaks are common. You can install systems like the Fibaro Flood Sensor so that you can be alerted if there is a temperature change, water or movement where it is located. Another option is the Everspring Wireless Flood Detector. This device sets off an alert if it contacts water. The SmartSense Moisture Sensor will also send an alert to your phone if a leak is detected.

When you are thinking about home automation systems, the available options may seem overwhelming. You can make it much easier if you simply think about the things that give you the most frustration or the tasks with which you need help. You can then look for devices that are geared to specifically provide options to tackle those specific jobs.