Have you ever been too tired to get up out of bed and turn off the lights or turn down the heat? Have you ever wondered what was in your fridge while you were at the grocery store? Smart home automation systems give you the opportunity to solve these problems easier than ever before.
About Home Automation
Home automation helps you control things around your house from wherever you are with the push of a button. Many items can be set up to adjust automatically, too. Things that can be controlled in a smart home automation system include:
- alarms (smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and security alarms)
- lights
- locks
- cameras
- speakers
- HVAC system
- shade and blinds
- sensors
- appliances
Most home automation systems utilize a "star" typology. This means that there is one central control unit (CCU) that connects with multiple remote control units (RCUs).The RCUs send information back and forth between sensors and the CCU. The RCUs can consist of an actual remote, or you can download an app that allows you to control your home while on the go.
Benefits of Smart Home Automation
Safety. Smart home automation makes your home safer than it ever was before. Cameras can record intruders and send all information directly to the cloud where it will be stored to help police investigate. Some systems even offer drones that you can control during a breach of security to allow for more accurate pictures of intruders than ever before.
Lower utility bills. With the ability to control the temperature of your house from anywhere, you never have to worry about leaving the air conditioning or heating on ever again. Many systems will automatically alter the temperature based on your preferences. This will save you money on your utility bill.
Convenience. One of the best parts of a smart home automation system is that you can control the settings from just about anywhere. Turn the lights off from the bed. You can even turn off your lights while on vacation.
Cons of Home Automation
Cost. Frankly, smart home automation systems are expensive. They typically cost between $5,000 - $9,000. There may also be installation fees and monthly fees for the service depending on the system. They are also expensive to repair when necessary. A simple, smart light switch can cost $40.
Hackers. While unlikely, advanced hackers may be able to infiltrate your home security. You can avoid this by keeping your password secure.
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