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Sunday, February 9th
Home security systems are no longer just for home security. Today's security systems can be used for a variety of purposes beyond alerting the homeowner about break-ins. Home security systems now have features that allow you to control and monitor other systems in your home. These are being called home automation systems. The new home automation systems can control almost everything in your home including door locks, lighting, thermostats, blinds and more.
With a home automation system, homeowners can program many features within the house. When you come home from work, the home automation system can ensure the lights are turned on inside the house, the exterior walkway is lit and that the oven is preheating for dinner. With a little extra effort, you can even have your favorite song playing as you enter the house.
The programs can also work while you're in the house. Automated control also allows the house to adjust to your movements within the house. Light sensors can operate so lights go on and off as you enter and exit room within the house.
Home automation programs don't end there. That's just the beginning.
Not only can they notify you for security risks and break-ins, but they can notify you when children enter the home after school, if an exterior or garage door has been left open or if a medicine cabinet has been opened. Using an automation system, you can control your video and audio systems and also limit your children's access to those systems. You can also monitor energy usage throughout the house and program the system to turn off those appliances and lights which aren't in use.
With a home automation system, you can control your home security features and home automation features from any mobile device including your smartphone, tablet or laptop, whether you're at work, in the home or on vacation.
Home automation systems are endlessly flexible, letting you decide what features you must have and what features you don't need. In fact, you can purchase a basic kit and add components as you decide you need or want them. For example, video cameras may be something you may not want to spend money on at first. However, it may be a component you want to integrate into your system later so you can monitor both the inside and the outside of your home.
You can either purchase a home automation system from a reputable dealer who will install it for your or you can choose to install it yourself. There are both hardwired and wireless home automation systems. With a wireless system, installing it yourself may be an option. Go online to compare systems, components and prices. Investing in a home automation system may be the security system option you're looking for.
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