As a result, “Smart Homes” are becoming quite popular. These are automated homes that are so high-tech, they practically think for themselves. Really, they allow you to keep close tabs on what is happening at home while you are away and adjust matters at home without actually being there. You really are communicating with your appliances. Home automation is a collection of items that work together to keep a home safe and convenient. Here are just a few examples of worthwhile home automation appliances.
Smart Thermostat
With the smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature depending on when you will and won’t be home. More specifically, you can change it while you are at work with a remote or from your phone! This is great because it saves money on utilities and is more energy efficient. And you can easily turn up the temperature as you head home from the office on a chilly evening, so it’s nice and warm by the time you arrive.
Lighting and Small Appliance Control
Same thing goes with lighting and small appliances in your home. You can now control the indoor and outdoor lights from your technological device. This increases the security of your home, especially if you are away on a vacation. You can easily turn your lights on and off, making it seem like you are home when you are not. And if you are worried that you didn’t turn off one of your small appliances, you can make sure your home is safe without having to turn around and be late to work or an important meeting.
Video Surveillance
Video Surveillance is no longer just a feature of home security for businesses and your rich neighbors. Now you can have cameras located inside and outside of your house for maximum security. But what’s even better is the fact that you can watch it from your phone if you’d like.
Electronic Doors
Ever worry that your child ran out to the school bus and forgot to lock the front door again? Being able to check on it after he or she has left gives you peace of mind. And you can also unlock the door for your child as he or she arrives home from school if you are at work and unable to make it home in time to unlock it.
All in all, the remote access is the key feature to new home automation. It’s the real selling point on this system. The convenience and security are so heightened that there is really no comparison between this system and more traditional security systems. So what does this mean for these older systems? Basically, they are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
They are outdated. These systems are simply installed and sound an alarm if a window or lock is broken. But what if the owner is not home? And what about the inconvenience of not being able to control it from wherever the homeowner may be? These traditional systems don’t stand a chance compared to new home automation in terms of convenience, practicality, and security.
About the Author: Lindsey Patterson is a freelance writer who specializes in technology advancements, specifically relating to home automation. She is currently acting as a consultant for Vivint Alarm. You can follow them on Twitter here.
