Feb 6, 2012

Building a Smart Home

Many people think of smart homes as residences that only the very rich can afford. In reality, smart home technologies are relatively inexpensive to buy, easy to implement and straightforward to maintain. As a result, a growing number of homeowners have begun to buy and implement these technologies in existing homes and in homes that are being newly built.

Smart Technologies

Smart homes are homes in which the control of lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and entertainment systems is completely automated. In a smart house, you can program these systems so that they turn on and turn off at specified times or in response to specific conditions, such as when the home is occupied or unoccupied. You can remotely control smart heating and smart lighting systems from anywhere inside the house or even outside it. Many home automation products are web-enabled and allow you change your home thermostat settings, turn on your home security system, and accomplish other similar tasks over the Internet.

Home Automation Standards

Home automation products are often based on one of three standards: ZigBee, Insteon and Z-Wave. Products based on these standards are relatively inexpensive and are designed for easy installation. A remotely-controllable module for a lighting fixture or a temperature sensor, for instance, can cost as little as $20, and are capable of working right out of the box without the need for any professional installation. Some products are wireless, while other use a combination of wired and wireless technologies to function. The products typically come with a central module, which can be used to manage each installed home automation device.

Phased Deployment

Home automation experts often recommend that the best approach to automating an existing home is to do it in manageable chunks. Rather than attempting to automate all home systems all at once, consider automating on a room-by-room basis. Decide which room and what systems you want to begin with, and automate that first. Or, you could automate on a system-by-system basis. For instance, you could start by automating the control of your home lighting system before moving on to your heating, ventilation and other subsystems.

Technologies for New and Existing Homes

Typically, it is easier and more efficient to deploy home automation technologies in a property that is being newly built. However, many products are available that allow homeowners to turn an existing home into a smart house. Some examples of such products include outlets, switches, dimmers and thermostats that can be remotely controlled, remotely set and remotely managed.

Tips for Automating Your Home

If you are planning on installing home automation products in your home, keep the following tips in mind:

Regardless of whether you go room-by-room, or system-by-system, make a list of all the components which you plan to automate. It is easy to go overboard if you do not have a well-designed plan.
Individual home automation products may be inexpensive, but the costs can quickly add up if you are automating your entire home. So, plan with a clear budget in mind.
Always leave room for expansion and future changes. Get products that you can easily replace or upgrade.
Remember, that products based on different standards are not compatible with each other. So a ZigBee product for instance, will not work with an Insteon product. They may also be resold by home security companies.

With proper planning you can convert your property into a modern, energy-efficient smart home relatively quickly and with modest effort.

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.