For many years I lived in a larger urban area. My house was in the riskier part of town and so I always felt that I had to have a security system. A few months ago I moved to the suburbs and to a part of town that didn’t have a very extensive crime history and so I contemplated giving up the system. Before I did this I checked out a few new systems to see if there was anything that I might want to have in my new house. I was surprised to see that many security companies have branched out into what I learned is called home automation systems. I loved what I saw.
I once saw a T.V. movie called Smart House. The movie wasn’t that great and honestly I can’t really even remember the plot. I only bring it up now because I remember thinking at the time that it would be pretty cool to have a house that could listen to me and do what I asked. When I looked at some of the features of the latest home automation systems I was amazed at how much they could do. It has almost gotten to the point of Smart House.
Convenience At Our Fingertips:
The first thing I noticed was the cameras. The new cameras allow you to record video clips whenever motion is detected or during scheduled times. And I can be notified via text message or email when a clip is recorded and watch it right on my smartphone. I realized that having a camera discreetly concealed on my front porch would be so convenient. For example if I was waiting for a package but had to leave the house I could get a text message as soon as the UPS guy dropped it off.
What makes the cameras so great is that they can be controlled remotely with my smart phone. What’s even better is that the entire system can be controlled this way. If I need to let a family member or friend into my home but I can’t get home right away I can do it from wherever I am at the moment. If I forgot my keys or don’t remember the garage code then I can simply let myself in using my cell phone. The locks can also be set so that they lock and unlock when I set or alarm.
Endless Possibilities:
After looking at the locks and camera features I also realized that the smart thermostat was also something that I wanted. Just like with the other features, I can control the thermostat from anywhere I need with my smart phone. If I don’t want to have to worry about remembering to control my thermostat when I’m not home I can easily set it so that during the day when I’m not there it shuts off automatically and I can also program it so that it turns back on shortly before I usually get home so that I can come home to a warm home in the winter and a cool home in the summer.
The only thing that modern home automation systems are missing is a robot that can clean the house and wash my clothes. But I might have just been asking for too much. This isn’t Smart House after all.