What’s new in the world of home automation? Well, completely automated homes are almost here. These days, almost every new device on the market has a computer chip inside, and you can already control many aspects of your home life from your smartphone or tablet. Programmable devices that automate sprinkling systems, hot water, heating and air conditioning, dishwashers and other appliances and pool maintenance have been with us for a long time. Now you can activate them in special circumstances remotely as well.
Whether you just want to control the lighting or be able to lock your doors while you are away from home, you will soon be able to sit back and let computers do all of the work. Breakthroughs in home automation are amazing, and it is only a matter of time before everyone is using their smartphone to alter the temperature in a room or open a window. This is similar to the same way you can remotely start your motor or unlock the car’s doors. Home automation will increase your comfort and save you money running your home.
Your Keys are in Your Phone
You don’t really need house keys anymore if you have a smartphone. This makes it convenient to unlock the house when a neighbor is coming over to watch your kids if you will be a little late getting home to meet them after school. When a bonded repairperson is coming, you can open the house remotely so you won’t need to leave work to let them in. You can even choose to share your code with a houseguest who will be arriving when you’re not at home.
Monitoring Your Home
New types of automation for the home will allow you to secure and control every aspect of your home while you’re on the go. In addition to unlocking doors remotely, you can view your pets or children via webcam to be aware of errant behavior or emergencies. You can also be alerted to security problems or system failures, which will minimize the risk of damage. You can even be notified if you accidently leave the garage door open.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Keeping the temperature and air quality in your home comfortable is a big part of your family budget. Programmable thermostats have made it possible to align the temperature settings to the routines of your family lifestyle. To reduce costs you let the temperature adjust closer to the outside weather when no one is active, and yet be in the most desirable range when the family is up and at home.
Now it is possible to make adjustments remotely with a smart phone. When a weather front comes through or you are unexpectedly going home sick you can modify the setting before you return home. You will arrive to find your house ready to receive you. Automated air conditioning and furnaces can also send you alerts when maintenance is required or there has been a disruption in the system.
Remotely Running your Appliances
Earlier generations obsessed about leaving the clothes iron on because the house might burn down while they were gone. With permanent press and auto-shutoff, no one rushes home to check their iron anymore. Soon you will be able to wash and dry your clothes remotely, too. Imagine being able to start the dryer as you’re driving home so your clothes will be dryer-fresh right when you return.
Home automation improves the comfort, convenience, security and energy efficiency of your home, but when these advanced product need repairs you may have to call in a specialist. American Home Shield provides home warranties that can protect you from unexpected repair costs and will make sure that your technician is both capable and reliable.
