Home automation is a term now used widely to refer to many different household appliances connected and automated through a network. With home automation, household tasks such as controlling lights, temperature, garage door openers, video surveillance, televisions, and even computers can be automated. However, most people use automation to make their lives easier by doing such things as setting their bedroom alarm clocks, controlling garage doors, or controlling lighting. Although automation has been used in the home for years, it's only over the past ten or twenty years that it has become popular enough to warrant this article. To rank top five best home security systems, according to homeowners, we conducted a survey to evaluate the different features, monitoring options, pricing, and compatibility of the systems.
Most homeowners agree that they want their home automation systems to do more than just turn on lights or adjust the temperature. Most consumers would prefer that their automated home security systems provide additional services, such as providing touch-screen access to their cameras or controlling the weather and exterior temperature. In addition, homeowners would also prefer to have additional sensors added to their systems. Consumer polls indicate that one of the most common desires homeowners have is to have the ability to "talk" to their automated home security system. Consumers would prefer to have sensors installed in and around their home, rather than placing the sensors in locations that were not protected or where unwanted guests were most likely to roam.
Automated home security companies offer a variety of products to meet consumer desires. Most modern devices come pre-programmed with sensors for several different types of entry ways. Common entry devices include: door, window, garage door, smoke detectors, motion detectors, panic buttons, or remote controls. Some devices are designed to work in conjunction with each other and can integrate several previously programmed systems.
For example, an automated gate opener could open the gate automatically when a visitor approaches and make the transfer before entering the home. Likewise, a motion detector near the front door can detect if someone is approaching and a panic button located in the master bedroom could instantly activate the device's remote control, if desired. A homeowner may want to add a wireless camera to one or more of these previously installed devices. A wireless home automation system allows visitors to see who is at the front door without having to open it or move furniture.
Another way in which a homeowner could benefit from having an automated home automation system is by reducing the amount of manual monitoring required. Smart devices will allow a homeowner to monitor several areas of their property at once. With a single unit, a homeowner will be able to monitor all of the main entrance ways to their property, as well as any other main rooms inside of the house. Additional monitors can be placed throughout the property, which will allow the homeowner to view footage in specific areas. Many smart devices even offer the ability to pause video playback.
With today's economy, many homeowners are researching ways to cut back on expenses. Replacing wired video systems with smart devices is one way that homeowners can reduce their monthly expenses and increase security. As new smart devices become available, many homeowners will be able to replace existing wired systems with automated home security systems. With additional monitoring capabilities, the new automated security systems will also provide enhanced protection to various areas.
