Five Things To Look For In A Home Automation System

By Alison Shiver, Shiver Security Systems

Who wouldn’t want to control your entire home from the palm of your hand? As technology increases, power like that becomes more and more available in the form of home automation. Home automation gives you control of devices in your home from anywhere in the world. You can schedule times for your lights to turn on and off, check in on your pets, adjust the temperature and be an excellent security system for your home.

Each year, over two million families find themselves victim to a home invasion. A home automation system can provide a security solution that not only meets your needs, but also has the ability to save you money.

Here are a few things to consider with a home automation system:

     1. Features. It’s important that you ensure your home automation system has features that are right          for what you want to use it for. Many people invest in a system for safety reasons, to protect from              home breakings. Others, however, use them for ease in their day-to-day activities – like changing the        brightness of lights remotely. Other people use them to save money by turning off lights and heat when they are away from home.

     2. Installation. Can you install it on your own or will you need someone to help you? If a system is complex, you will likely need someone to install it.

     3. Compatibility. Do your research to ensure your new automation system will be able to control your current household items, such as light bulbs or thermostat. If the answer is no, investigate what types of devices will be best for your home.

     4. Charges. You will want to be able to control this system away from home. Some systems will allow you to do this over Wi-Fi alone, be aware of others that may charge you a monthly fee to access the          system.

     5. Controls. You can choose from a variety of control technologies: hard-wired, wireless, Ethernet- based, etc. Ask an expert what the best technology for you and your home would be.

If you are in the market for a home automation system, turn to a BBB Accredited Business, like Shiver Security Systems.