Almost every home today uses a wide array of electronic devices and various technologies to do things like watch television, listen to music, control the security system, control the thermostat, and more. It seems there is a remote or an app for everything. Because of this, it is no wonder that home automation is incredibly popular. Many homeowners hear “home automation” and think that it is something that is only for the tech-savvy or for someone that relies on multiple technology-driven devices to control various aspects of their everyday life. And, while home automation is great for that customer, it is also for many other different types of homeowners. CEDIA provides a helpful description of what home automation is, “Typical examples of basic automation include garage-door openers, alarm clocks, timers on a coffee machine and remote controls. However, when we talk about home automation and smart homes, the capabilities go quite a bit further. And instead of individual devices working independently, a smart home integrates multiple sub-systems that are all controlled by a master home automation controller. This main automation controller is like the home automation system’s quarterback, receiving input from all devices around the home, issuing commands and controlling everything. These controllers generally run complex software, allowing them to execute single or multiple actions based on a variety of events.” If you are still not sure if you need home automation, below are 5 reasons why you should be using a home automation system in your home.
5 Reasons Why You Should Be Using a Home Automation System
1. It Makes Life Easier
If you are like just about any homeowner, you have searched in frustration for the right remote to control one thing or another, or tried to remember when to turn the thermostat down only to ultimately forget, or can’t remember if you closed the garage, or are so comfortable on the couch that you don’t want to get up to turn the lights off. The answer to all of these very diverse problems is home automation. Home automation can be controlled through one remote or through one smart device so that various operations can take place simultaneously and you no longer have to search for the right controller to complete an action. Additionally, many home operations can be controlled remotely such as your thermostat, garage, lighting, security, door locks, and more! So, if you aren’t sure if you forgot to turn something off, close something, or lock something, now you can do it remotely from wherever you are.
2. It Is Great For the Technologically-Challenged
Home automation may sound like a confusing nightmare for the technologically-challenged but it is actually the opposite. Many homeowners find that it is the most convenient and simple thing to learn because all operations occur in one place, often at the push of one button. In fact, complex operations can be programmed to occur at the push of one button. For example, if you want to watch a movie you can be sitting on your couch and push one button and suddenly you will watch as the television turns on, the lights dim, the curtains draw, and the movie begins.
3. It Will Save You Money
Home automation dramatically enhances home energy efficiency in multiple ways. First, you can remotely control and program things like your thermostat. So, if you are going to be away from home you can leave your home at a warmer temperature and program it to begin cooling your home to a comfortable temperature 30 minutes before you return home (or vice versa in the winter). And, if you find that you tend to leave your home with all of the lights on that is a major waste of energy but with home automation you can simply turn the lights off remotely.
4. It Is Affordable
Home automation systems of the past were fairly pricey but today there are many options that are very affordable, making it accessible for any homeowner. Because there are so many smart devices and smart home technologies, home automation is easy and affordable.
5. It Enhances Your Home Security
Never worry if you have locked your door or closed your garage again, simply check your home security from your phone, computer or other smart device. Additionally, with home automation you can remotely monitor security cameras right from your smart device as well.
Home security is more important today than ever before. Not only is it beneficial to be able to remotely monitor your home if you are traveling or have a babysitter while you are away but home burglaries are becoming more prevalent as well. Home burglaries happen every day and many could have been prevented with a quality home security and surveillance system. The LA Times reports some startling statistics regarding home burglaries, “In the U.S., a home burglary occurs every 13 seconds…About 30% of all burglaries are through an open or unlocked window or door…Most burglaries occur in the daytime when occupants are at school or work.” Many homeowners leave their home for the day to go to work, or go on a trip and assume it will be safe but, unfortunately, that is often not the case and they usually have no way of knowing whether or not it has been burglarized until they return home. Though there are many “DIY” home surveillance options, they are often not installed correctly, are unsightly, or simply just do not provide the surveillance necessary. Below we discuss the top 3 benefits of a custom home surveillance system and why you should consider installing one in your home as soon as possible.
1. Discreet Installation
Don’t make your beautiful home look unsightly and unattractive with giant surveillance cameras and cords hanging all over the place. Not only is it ugly it shows a burglar exactly where cameras are and how to easily dismantle them so that they can simply snip a cord and enter the home without detection. When a home surveillance system is professionally installed the cords are hidden, cameras are small, and are ideally placed to provide maximum surveillance while being minimally detectable. Discreet installation is beneficial to both your home’s aesthetics and for maximizing surveillance and security efficacy.
2. Easy Automation Integration
When you utilize the expertise of professional installation for your custom home surveillance system, installers can help you integrate your security surveillance into your home automation so that you can easily and remotely monitor your surveillance system. When you are traveling, on a date night, or simply away from home to work you can easily check in on your surveillance system right from your smartphone, computer, or other smart device.
3. Potential Insurance Discount
Any time you make your home safer and more secure it is appealing to your home insurance company. In fact, many home insurance companies will even offer you a discount on your policy for a high quality home surveillance system so investing in one that is custom to your home and professionally installed will likely make it even more appealing since it will provide the optimal amount of surveillance.
Installing a home theater in your home may sound like a cool idea but it is sort of an ambiguous term. When it comes to home theaters there is no simple way to define what exactly it looks like in a home because every homeowner’s home theater is different. There are simple home theater setups that are less expensive yet achieve everything the homeowner needs and wants and there are complex and elaborate home theaters that transport the homeowner and make them feel like they are in an actual movie theater. A home theater can be achieved in almost any room in your home but there are certainly rooms that are better suited to a home theater if you want to be able to control things like sound and lighting. If you are considering installing a home theater in your home, it is important to speak to a professional home theater installer who can offer guidance and expertise and it is also important to consider various factors so that you can maximize your design.
Installing a home theater is exciting but it requires a good amount of planning and anticipation. One of the first things you need to consider is what kind of viewing experience you want to have. If you want it to be a dark room with pristine sound you probably need a room that is away from the action of the house and ideally a room that has no windows. For some homes this is the basement but for others, it is simply a room that is furthest away from places like the kitchen or living room. Also, there are many ways for a professional to provide room darkening and noise reduction. Next, it is important to consider how you will use your home theater. Is this a room in which you will be primarily watching sports? If so, you may want to install one large television and multiple smaller televisions so that you can have multiple games on at all times. If you want to use the room to watch television you may simply want a very large television so that you can immerse yourself in your favorite TV show. If you will be watching a lot of movies and want the true movie theater experience, you probably want a projector and screen for the ultimate viewing experience. And, if you want a hybrid you could install a motorized, drop-down screen with televisions behind it so that you can choose how you want to use your home theater each day.
Finally, you want to think about your viewing experience and comfort. Do you want to have movie theater seating? Do you want to have multiple rows? Do you want a large comfortable couch or multiple large, plush chairs? Once you have thought through how you will primarily use your home theater, budget, and expectations you will be able to make the decisions necessary to bring your home theater dreams to life.