A home automation system allows the home owner to have automated control of many routine functions in their home. Depending on the complexity of the system, an automation system can control as many of the home systems as an owner would like. These systems not only offer a lot of convenience but they can help save electricity and improve the security of a home.

Home Automation

Home Automation – How does it work?

The system works by typically having a central control panel which acts as the brains to the entire installation. Programming specific to a given home is created custom to the owner’s requirements and stored inside the brain panel. As events occur throughout a given day the panel will send out commands to various devices located in different parts of the home so they can carry out a preprogrammed function

Burglar / Fire Alarm:

A complete burglar and fire alarm system can be integrated into an automation system.

Lighting Control:

Multiple lights having automated light switches can be controlled throughout the entire home.

Appliances:

Control over things like swimming pool pump, decorative fountain pumps and lighting and lawn sprinkler pumps can be automated through the system

Window Treatments:

In many cases, through the purchase of specialized motorized window treatments these too can be automated to open and close and either preset times or on demand. Programming can be established so this function occurs in both either groups of window treatments or individually.

Whole Home Audio:

Different types of whole home stereo systems can be integrated in. Single source through complex multi-source stereo systems can be tied into other home functions. For example, programming can be established whereby, during a holiday, when a home owner returns home and wants music to automatically play, or a news program, as they walk through the door, the contact sensor embedded in the door triggers the music to begin, a preset source like CD or radio at a preset volume.

Heating & Air-Conditioning Control:

A big waste of electricity especially in large homes results from air-conditioning or heating an unoccupied home. Controls of the HVAC systems allow for the thermostat to be automatically be adjusted at either preset times, external and or internal climate conditions, and/or events which occur at the home such as the arming/disarming of a burglar alarm.

Home Automation – Full Integration

Full Integration would be the tying in of most if not all the systems listed above. An example of how integration could work would be, during a summer holiday evening party. The press of 1 button would:

Turn on landscape lighting. Disarm a security system. Lower the temperature on thermostat(s). Begin audio playing throughout selected areas of the home. Adjust lighting inside the home to prepare to entertain. Turn on decorative pool / fountain equipment & lighting. And, insure the lawn sprinkler doesn’t come on while guests arrive.

Home Automation – Control of the Systems

Operating these systems can occur through multiple combinations of ways. Keypad consoles can be installed throughout different parts of a home, Control of the system can also occur through working telephones inside the home and calls placed from outside the home with use of a correct security code will work too. Smart phones have applications available that allow for internet accessible, full control. And of course, from the computer or laptop depending on how the home computer network has been integrated into the system

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