The portrayal of home automation that has appeared movies for years is now a reality.
Home automation trends show nearly limitless opportunities for homeowners looking to sync their home's security system, lighting, energy management system, entertainment devices and HVAC equipment. Homeowners can also access these systems from anywhere with a smartphone app. If you're just beginning to automate your home's systems, you'll benefit from the growing competition within the market. (In other words, you can skip over the bulky, hard-to-use technologies that were the first to arrive on the home automation scene.)
The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reports these home automation technologies trends for 2014:
- Motion-sensing lighting for the interior of the home
- Emergency generators
- Wireless control of HVAC systems
- Humidity control via sensors
- Energy management systems for the whole home
- Remote control via wireless technology for windows, doors and locks
Here's a look at some of the specific home automation technologies that builders and experts see as growing in remodels, newly built homes and retrofits.
Security
Simple ways to automate home security - without having to invest in a security system that features alarms and sensors on windows and doors - include installing specialized lock products, such as the Z-Wave. The Z-Wave automated lock syncs with whole-home automation systems. Models feature voice programming to navigate the lock's menu options or a touchscreen.
On the other end of the spectrum, automated security systems now feature remote video access of the home via a smartphone or website, allowing homeowners to monitor their homes and make system adjustments in response to temperature changes, water problems, system malfunctions or even a break-in.
Entertainment
Consumers are abandoning traditional cable service and grabbing hold of streaming TV options like Netflix and Hulu. Internet-ready TVs and streaming videos via a PlayStation or Internet TV boxes like Roku are also transforming the way people access and view entertainment. Music services like Pandora and iTunes have made CDs nearly obsolete. You can now control all your entertainment with home automation, too. Install speakers around the home and control them wirelessly, activating speakers and adjusting volume via an app.
Lighting
WiFi controlled lights and other electrical components, like garage doors and fireplaces that are managed via a smartphone app, give homeowners control over when and how to activate their home technology. Some technologies employ motion-activated lights, with a sensor turning on lighting when a door opens or when it reads motion in the room - or even when a window opens, to deter thieves.
Energy Management
You can manage the energy consumption in your home with an automated system that monitors electrical usage and projects future energy use. Some energy management products promote energy efficiency, too, alerting you to usage spikes and helping homeowners find ways to lower their energy consumption.
HVAC Systems
Amped up, programmable thermostats give you full control over your HVAC system. These devices read thermostat trends over time, and make automatic adjustments for energy efficiency. With mobile access, you can control your home temperature even when you're away.
Home automation trends employ technology that's a far cry from the "clap on, clap off" electrical outlet control of yesteryear. If you plan to automate your home systematically, consider the value of purchasing a maintenance contract to ensure the health of your HVAC system and electrical equipment.
The experts at Reliable Heating & Air are happy to talk about the value of the maintenance contracts they offer homeowners in Roswell.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons