The way we do things around the house these days are certainly different than our grandparents used to. If we need to shut off a light we can do it from our phone. If we want to open the garage, it’s just a click away. A lot of things can be automated in our homes providing convenience and even security.
But home automation is still developing and new products are coming out every day. With tons of benefits, different types, and even risks, it causes homeowners to think twice about what products they get and whether they want any home automation at all.
This is your guide to all things home automation-related so you can feel confident in your decisions.
What is a Home Automation System?
Home automation systems sound exactly like they are called. They are a hub that can control many different areas of your home from security to temperature control. Anything that can be connected through Bluetooth or hard wiring can be a part of your home automation system.
Common things that fall under home automation are:
Security Systems
- Cameras
- Alarms
- Access Control
- Fire/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Etc.
Functionality
- Light Control
- Temperature Control
- Smart Devices and Entertainment
- Etc.
All of this can be considered a part of your home automation system. This allows you to have full control of your property both while being there and remotely.
Benefits of Having Home Automation Systems in South Florida
There are some really important benefits like safety and security when it comes to home automation but there are also some great additions that should be taken advantage of. Let’s talk about all the reasons you should automate your home.
Safety and Security
When you automate your home and incorporate a home security system you not only make your property in South Florida a lot safer but your neighbors too. When you implement these features criminals think twice about looking at your neighborhood let alone your house.
You also can automate your security so that the authorities can be called immediately if something were to go wrong. When any kind of footage may have been captured, law enforcement has a much better chance at capturing the criminal.
Working Remotely
Having access to your home when you are not there has so many benefits. For starters, how many times do we have to leave our jobs so we can let contractors in? With Bluetooth Access Control we can allow workers to come only during designated times. And with live monitoring, we can see exactly what they are doing inside the house.
Also with live monitoring, we can talk to any pets, kids, or elderly we want to keep an eye on when we are not around. This adds an extra safety element.
Entertainment
Home automation should be fun which is why setting up your entertainment systems is great. If you want to wake up and have the blinds automatically rise, this can be done through home automation. If you want to have your lights slowly turn on according to the sun outside, this can be done also!
Opportunities are limitless when it comes to home automation thanks to advanced technology and more and more companies including smart devices in their lineups.
Types of Home Automation Systems
Home automation is still relatively new but a lot of different companies are getting involved with it. There are a few different types of home automation systems that a customer should be aware of when looking to install.
Powerline
These systems can often be referred to as powerline communication systems or a (PLC). As it sounds the security system will run the home automation system through the powerlines so that devices connect and communicate through there. This allows for easy control over the system and is actually energy-efficient since it reuses the energy from the powerlines.
Wired
A wired system will be wired throughout the house and electrical outlets. While more expensive it also provides a more reliable system than anything else. The problem with wire is that it requires power to function. When the power goes out so does the system.
Wireless
This runs through the cloud or data. Wireless systems are popular because they don’t worry about the power going out. They do worry about hacking and other risks.
What is Needed for Home Automation?
Anyone can have home automation put in their homes. The type of home automation may depend on preference but it can also depend on the area you live in. If you have a bad signal then hardwiring or powerline may be the option for you.
In order for home automation to be successfully installed, you will need a licensed security team to work with you and find the best solution to providing the safest and most convenient wiring option.
Once installed you will need to have a hub or an App that you and the security team can control the entire home from. Since the point of home automation is to conveniently control everything from one place it’s important that it all works cohesively together. That means choosing products that also work together and with the hub or App, you choose to use.
Is Home Automation Worth Having in South Florida?
Home automation is slowly becoming the way of life. It is standard now to have our garage doors open from a beeper when it is range. This is part of home automation. The difference is now there are many different things incorporated that are that easy.
Home automation is not only fun and convenient but as mentioned it provides another level of safety. This is important with homes in South Florida as the crime rate is nearly higher than anywhere else in the country. The risk of being cyber hacked is minimal when you have a good team on board and it is a lot better than getting physically broken in.
Home Automation Systems Risks
Briefly, we mentioned there can be some risks when bringing home automation into our lives. Sort of like the Disney movie Smart House where all of the sudden the home takes over. Kidding! But there are some risks to consider so here they are!
Cyber Hacks
With everything being up in the cloud the risk for cyber hacks becomes a lot more prevalent. Depending on what information is being stored this can leave your house and family at risk. This is why it’s super important to choose a quality security team to make sure your home security network is strong.
Expensive
Home automation is expensive. The installation as well as the products do not come at a cheap price. But you wouldn’t want them to come at a cheap price for the risk mentioned above. You want high-quality products that last a lifetime so the investment is worth it. That’s why it is also important to have the right people installing the products properly for you. With a wrong wire not put in correctly, all your expenses could go out the window with a malfunction in the system.
Power Outages
As we mentioned with hard wiring the system you run the risk of it not working with power outages. When it comes to convenience this is not great but more importantly, when it comes to security this is bad. Make sure to talk about the options for when the power does go out. That way if it is intentional, you are secured.
Home Automation Systems in FAQs
There is a lot to cover when it comes to home automation. Any specific questions related to your property can always be asked with your chosen security team. Having said that, let’s dedicate this section to the most frequently asked questions about home automation systems.
Is there a difference between “Smart Home” and “Home Automation”?
Technically speaking there is a difference between a smart home and home automation. Home automation talks about the total package and having many things run under one hub or one app. “Smart homes” is more of a reference to all the devices you have in your home that work together. It’s not necessarily an integration of products but rather individual products bought and connected.
You may have an Amazon Alexa and a Nest in your home. These are smart home products. They become part of the home automation when they are integrated with other products under one app or hub.
What does it cost to install and have an automated home?
No exact cost can be calculated because everyone’s costs are going to be different. The security section alone may vary depending on the number of products you have and monthly services to protect your property. The same can be said for home, many things will be automated in your home.
The installation alone can cost anywhere on average between $500-$2500. As you can see this number is quite varied. Where you may be able to save is by cutting a deal or taking advantage of a discount offered by your provider. Insurance may also play a role in your security system. That is because you lower their risk and they are likely willing to reward you for that with lower premiums or help with the install.
Are there solutions for when the power goes out?
Some products may be installed so that they run on batteries. While the entire system may not function as cohesively as before some of the more important parts will still run. Some plans offer both wired and data plans to secure the system overall. This however becomes costly.
During the initial consultation, you and your provider can talk about what makes sense in terms of your area and the options available. If you have powerlines that are accessible this may be one of the best options.
Circle Security Solutions Product Showcase
Home automation is both the future and the present. Your home automation system however relies on quality products that are worth the investment. That’s why you should take a look at our product showcase at Circle Security Solutions. We understand your need for the best products at the best prices which is why we are here for you every step of the way.
From the initial planning to the install we have you covered. Even after we are here to answer any questions you may have so please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time!
Take the First Step
There is a good chance you are already thinking about how you are going to program your wake-up routine in the morning. If we were thinking about automating our homes we would be excited too! That’s why at Circle Security Solutions we want to make sure you understand all your options and what is going to work within your budget.
Taking the first step to set up a meeting to discuss all your possibilities is easy. That’s when we can go over the risks and how to minimize them like taking care of online hacking, power outages, and expenses. With good deals on products and working with insurance, you are much more likely to meet your home automation goals.
But without a good team that’s going to install your home automation correctly, the expense may not be worth it. Home automation can save you in the long run but only if it is done the right way. With an experienced team and customer service that is ready to answer all your questions, we are confident that you will be having everything at the tip of your fingers in no time.
