Combining Home Automation and Security in a Single System
Home automation brings all of your major home electronic systems together through one central control panel, keypad or remote. You can activate or deactivate a security system via the same control that activates your home theater and temperature control – for example. A good home automation system can turn your home into a “smart home” where virtually all home functions can be linked to your security system and controlled via one central device.
You may even use home automation systems to help you upgrade and install advanced controllers or use voice recognition.
A few major systems people link under home automation:
Lighting and Appliance Control – Lights can be turned on or off from multiple locations or programmed to turn on or off along with other events.
Security Systems – Your security system can be used as a part of the control system. Lights can be turned on and off automatically as you turn you alarm on and off. Your security system can call you and/or loved ones if there is an alert status. Additionally, you can unlock the front door to let friends in or close the garage door from your office via the Internet.
Entertainment Systems – You can replace all those remotes with just one controller. One button dims your lights and another closes the drapes. Use one controller to turn on the TV, start the DVD player and setup your audio system for your favorite movie. Speakers can be built-in throughout the home to provide quality sound wherever you desire.
Communication Systems – Telephone, intercom and internet. Phone systems which are usually used for small business applications are surprisingly easy to adapt to the home. With caller ID and a home automation controller you can even screen your calls for only those you want to actually ring your phone. Voice control software can turn every phone in your home into a way to control your system.
Thermostats- Remote control thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature from bed at night or even from a cell phone while on your way home. They can even trigger a notice to you if the temperature gets too low (freezing pipes) or too high.
Irrigation- Have your sprinklers turn on only when it’s dry. You can even use them as a theft and animal deterrent by setting them to turn on when there’s motion in the yard at unwanted times.
Data Systems – Multiple PC’s and other data devices can be interconnected to each other and to your automation system.
Home automation systems can be wired or wireless – however wireless poses greater encryption security requirements. The key is to get the right product from a good security system company. Honeywell Security (http://security.honeywell.com) is one of the best names in home automation. Look to them for the latest and best technology.
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