When it comes to the question of whether or not you should invest in a solution for home automation, price is no doubt an important factor. And that is especially true, given the current state of the economy. After all, with unemployment being as high as it is, and people tightening their belts and struggling to make ends meet, you might think that the last thing on peoples’ minds is home automation. Price points may justifiably make it out of reach for many people, as the use of this type of technology is considered by many to be a frivolous luxury.
Their argument is that who in their right mind would want to control a toaster oven, a vacuum cleaner, or a coffee maker from their computer anyway? They posit the question that have we become so lazy and have we geeked out so much that we can’t simply just control our appliances the old-fashioned way. But what these people don’t realize is that while it is true that for some people, it is just a luxury that they can do without out, there are many others who can actually benefit from and may actually even need home automation. Price is not an issue, when you look at the issue through the lens of someone who actually needs and is dependent on this technology in order to function, or from the perspective of someone whose life could be improved or could operate more smoothly with the implementation of this technology.
Let’s take a look at some practical applications of the use of home automation technology and how it can benefit our lives:
- Physically challenged people are perfect candidates for home automation technology, and could stand to greatly benefit from it. Whether you are handicapped or you are elderly, you can leverage the use of home automation technology to make the job of managing your household easy to do with a few mouse clicks. Simple tasks that many of us take for granted can be automated so that people with physical impediments don’t ever have to worry about them. Such tasks include:
* Opening and closing window blinds
* Regulating or operating room fans
* Programming thermostats
* Timing and automating the locking and unlocking of doors and windows
* Managing the general security system
* Programming lawn water sprinklers
Using a state-of-the-art home automation system, each of these aforementioned functions, and many more, can be centrally managed from a computer.
- Can you ever put a price tag on your personal security? When it comes to home automation, price should not trump your safety and security. Safeguarding your property and your person takes priority over all else. A home automation system can provide an all-inclusive, complete security solution that includes the management of windows and doors, locks, gates, garage doors, motion sensors, motion-triggered lawn lighting, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and 911 emergency notifications. Home automation systems can be retrofitted for both home as well as commercial properties.
- Child-proofing is a common problem that millions of parents have to deal with as their toddlers learn to walk and interact with their environment. Child proofing is yet another practical application of home automation. Price should never be a constraint when it comes to keeping your children and your household safe. If you find that your toddler is constantly getting into things or fiddling with appliances that he or she should not be, then you can manage your home’s child-proofing needs centrally from your computer. Managing electrical appliances and the locking and operation of windows, gates, door locks, and blinds is easy to do with a home automation system. Keeping your children out of harm’s way is every parent’s primary responsibility. Keeping your home secure and safe is the first step in managing risks. Home automation can bring you peace of mind.
- Many cost-conscious homeowners would be happy to know that there is yet another very practical application of home automation: Price control over out-of-control, skyrocketing utility bills such as electric, gas, water, and sewage. Home automation systems can be leveraged to help you conserve energy. The automation of windows and blinds to allow sunlight in, or to keep cold or heat drafts from coming through is one example of how it works. Other examples include thermostat control, as well as the heating and cooling of water and the shutting off of unnecessary appliances during the day when nobody is home.
