Feb 13, 2012

Home Automation Systems

Home automation systems allow homeowners to gain remote control of their home lighting, heating, ventilation, and security systems. With a home automation system, you can use the Internet or your smartphone to remotely turn the lights on and off in your home, arm and disarm your security system, change thermostat settings and perform other similar functions. The systems allow you to convert your home into a futuristic, energy efficient and convenient smart home.

Energy Management

One of the biggest advantages of a home automation system is that it allows you to better manage energy consumption in your home. These system let you specify the time when you want the lights in your home to turn on and off. It allows you to program your heating thermostat so that the heat is turned up and down during certain times of the day, or when the house is occupied or unoccupied. Modern smart home systems use sensitive temperature sensors to maintain an optimal temperature inside the house, while ensuring minimal energy consumption.

Greater Convenience

Smart home technologies also enable greater convenience. They eliminate the need for you to manually turn lights on and off, or manually change thermostat settings or the settings on your home entertainment systems. You can program these systems to turn off and on at your schedule and your convenience. If you want to change the settings later, you can do so from anywhere using your smartphone or over the Web.

Inexpensive and Easy-to-Install

Adding smart home technology to your home is relatively easy and inexpensive. Many vendors sell affordable automation technologies, such as smart switches, dimmers, appliance modules and thermostats, which you can install without the need for any expensive rewiring. Such products can be wireless, or can combine wired and wireless technologies. In most cases, all you need to do to install these products is to remove the older hardware you have in place and replace it with the smart technology.

Home Automation Standards

Some home automation products are based on a standard called ZigBee, others use a standard called Insteon, and some are based on a standard called Z-Wave. All three standards allow you to install smart home technologies in an existing home with very little effort and cost. For instance, you can purchase a smart dimmer for less than $40, and a fully programmable thermostat for less than $100. The only caveat is that home automation products based on different standards are not compatible with each other. So, a dimmer based on the ZigBee standard will not work with an Insteon switch.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a System

Smart home systems do not require professional installation. However, you need to have a clear goal in mind when installing these systems in your home. Consider the following tips when buying these products:

When choosing a climate control system, decide if you want a remote access function or an automatic adjustment function. Some control panels may come with both technologies already prepared.
For lighting controls, decide if you need dimmers, motion sensors and timers. Motion sensors enable better security, timers let you choose mood lighting effects, and dimmers are great for energy consumption purposes.
For home entertainment systems, consider spending a little extra on a centralized console system, because it allows for better control of home audio and video systems throughout the home.

Home automation systems are no longer an unaffordable luxury and offer an inexpensive and efficient way to enhance home security, manage energy consumption and enable greater convenience.

Home Security News

Installing a Home Security System?

Did you know that installing a security system is not only a great way to minimize the risk of a break-in or burglary, but it can also lower your home insurance payments? Insurance companies recognize that homes are indeed more secure when they have a home security system installed by one of the top alarm companies.

TopAlarmCompanies.com offers quotes from only the best, most well known business and home security companies. By working with leading providers like FrontPoint, Vivint, GE, Pinnacle, Smith & Wesson, and, of course, the ADT Security Systems Authorized Dealer Program, we can assure you that we are providing quotes from the highest rated security companies in the business.

Not to mention, these six companies use state-of-the-art technology to keep up with the changing market. Features like wireless alarms and touch screen control panels are what consumers want, and these companies offer them along with expert technicians and a skilled customer support staff.

Protect America has been given a five star rating for four years in a row by TopConsumerReviews.com. With their line of affordable home security packages starting at about $30 and free installation, Protect America is offering home security at a price most Americans can afford.

Vivint is one of the most modern, high-tech home security companies. With services that integrate your security system with energy management and home automation, Vivint makes a compelling, "green" option for people that want a top home security company.

ADT Security Systems - ADT is certainly the largest and most well known security provider. Not only do they work with homes and businesses, but their security services are so sophisticated that government agencies also use them.

Protection 1 trails only ADT in the number of customers it has in the US. And, with 60 branch offices, Protection 1 also has locations in nearly every US state, making them a home and business security company that you can even contact in person if need be.

FrontPoint Security touts that their wireless security systems are "virtually undefeatable." The company also notes that it has no hidden fees, all the while providing modern, high-tech home security features like a security app for your smart phone.

Security Networks boasts an A+ Better Business Bureau rating is just one indication of the great customer service they offer. Making use of services like WeatherNet for alerts on dangerous weather, and IDnet for identity protection, Security Networks truly strives to make all aspects of your life more secure, not just your home.