10 TOP REASONS YOU SHOULD INSTALL HOME AUTOMATION
What Is Home Automation?
Home Automation is the integration of a home's subsystems into one control station, allowing a homeowner to access these systems locally or remotely from one central interface. These subsystems can include, Security, Lighting, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Shading and Drapery, Irrigation, Audio Video and Intercom systems.
1. Increased Security
Security is a big factor in today's world. Home
automation systems allow a homeowner to seamlessly integrate
a security system and/or a CCTV camera system into their
daily living. Automated lighting can be implemented into a
homeowner's security plan utilizing time of day events,
vacation modes and event triggering when their security
system goes into alarm.
2. Intercom Systems
In
a large home, an intercom system brings needed room to room
communication. The front door can be equipped with a door
station and a build in cameras so that the homeowner can
view and talk to the person at the door. Rooms can be
monitored while the kids are playing or the baby is
sleeping. All room paging can be accomplished at the
push of a button; calling the kids for dinner or a family
meeting.
3. Centralized Lighting Control
Lighting control is one of the most popular aspects of
home automation. A lighting control system allows the
homeowner to control a light or groups of lights from
keypads and dimmers strategically installed throughout the
house. Landscape lights are generally programmed to turn on
and off at pre-determined times of the day. If a lighting
control system is installed during construction, keypads and
dimmers can eliminate light switch wall clutter making the
home more esthetically pleasing.
4. Automated Shading
Shading and Drapery control is a growing category within
the home automation field. Many popular brands such as
Hunter Douglas and Somfy can be controlled to open and close
via a remote control touch panel or mobile device. The main
benefit to automated shading is energy management. Time of
day events can be programmed into a system to manage the
home energy costs. During the summer, shades and drapery can
be programmed to close during peak sunlight hours hence
reducing Air Conditioning energy fees.
5. Heating and Air Conditioning Control
Most HVAC or Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Systems operate with local thermostats installed by the HVAC
contractor. While this method is sufficient for many homes,
a home automation system allows the homeowner to view
temperatures and control their systems from local remote
controls, touch panels and mobile devices. One of the most
unique advantages of having HVAC incorporated into a
home automation system is remote access. If a homeowner
travels a great deal, remote access affords them the
opportunity to view and control temperature status while
they are away. on a cold winter night, they can turn the
temperature up from anywhere in the world.
6. Irrigation Control
The first lawn sprinkler was invented in 1871. Since
then, sprinkler and irrigation systems have evolved in
many shapes and forms. Today, most sprinkler systems operate
on a time of day basis. Home automation systems. on the
other hand, can not only turn the water on and off at a
certain time, but they can also function based on the
forecasted weather. By polling national weather forecast
agencies, the system will know not to turn on if rain is
expected for the next three days. The benefit, of course, is
convenience and savings in water usage.
7. Audio Video
Today's consumer electronics and audio video systems can
be very confusing to the average person. Four or five remote
controls are needed to navigate yourself to watch a DVD or
even the local news. An automated system eliminates this
frustration. Universal remotes, IPad and Iphone apps can be
custom programmed to operate your system from a single unit.
One touch convenience brings the enjoyment back to your TV
and movie viewing.
8. Remote Access
Nowadays, most people live a very busy life between work,
family and home. Mobile devices have revolutionalized access
to the internet while on the go. Home Automation systems
have followed suit by providing mobile apps and web based
interfaces to monitor and control all of the subsystems in a
smart home. Thermostats, lighting, irrigation and security
systems are now available at the touch of a button anywhere
in the world.
9. Affordability
Years ago, Home Automation systems were so expensive that
only the rich and obscenely wealthy could afford such a
luxury. Today, these system are being offered by
cable providers, utility companies and specialized
installation firms. From the simple to sublime, home
automation is no longer just for the rich and famous. The
average homeowner can access these products and services for
reasonable and affordable prices.
10. Peace Of Mind
Today's
homes have very sophisticated HVAC, lighting, shading,
irrigation and AV systems. A Home Automation system brings
all of these technologies together under one control
umbrella. A home automation system makes controlling and
monitoring your home an easy task. When everything is
automated, you can come home and do the things that are most
important to you with out worrying about all of the
subsystems that need to be operating on a daily basis.
See what Home Automation products are available today. View our programming services to have your system installed.