Buying Guide: Home Automation

The home of tomorrow is available today, and you won't even have to break the bank to move in. Recent technological innovations have turned features that once seemed like science fiction into everyday fact. Home security systems and theaters, climate controls, lighting and more can now be controlled with the touch of a button, either on a remote control or a computer keyboard. Even when you're away from home, home automation products are easily accessible. Use the power of the Internet to turn on your outside lights when you're sitting on the beach in Hawaii, preheat your oven when you're on the way home from work or lock the back door when you realize you forgot to do it before you left to go shopping. Home automation provides a vast array of helpful features that make your home safer and provide extra conveniences. Consider the options available, and keep these questions in mind when shopping:

• What areas of your home would you like to automate?
• What features would make your home feel safer?
• Do you prefer a wireless or hardwired system?
• What features would you like to be able to access remotely?
• If you're building a home, what features might you like to add in the future

Features, Installation and Control

With an automated home, there are few areas that are beyond your control. Security systems, entertainment centers, lighting, thermostat, phone systems and sprinklers can all be turned into state-of-the-art features that make your life as easy as it can possibly be. Top-of-the-line systems can require a significant up-front investment, but a number of economical and effective items are also available. You may want to consider automating your home one section at a time to help defray the expense. If you're building a new home, consider wiring it for automation from the start. Though it may cost you a few extra dollars, it will save you the expense of rewiring down the line and can improve the resale value of your house.

Security: Automated security upgrades can be as basic as motion sensors and as high tech as cameras that automatically e-mail pictures of visitors to you when you're not home. Install locks that feature keypads and require the proper pin number to be entered to allow entrance or, if you desire more advanced security, look for locking systems that require your handprint or a retinal scan for entry. Sensors can be used not only to detect motion but also to automatically close doors and windows that are left open. Lock down your entire house when you're at work or on vacation and, when you're home, restrict access to certain areas, such as the garage or basement. Security cameras can be programmed to play through your TV or computer, allowing you to see who's at the door.

• Turn security systems on or off via remote control, phone or e-mail
• Biometric systems require voice, fingerprint or retinal scan for entry
• Camera feeds can be sent to your computer when you're not home
• Audible alarms warn you and deter intruders while silent alarms alert authorities
• Systems with Internet capability allow you to make adjustments remotely

Lighting: At its most basic, automatic lighting features timers that activate lights at a preset time, a useful feature for deterring would-be intruders when you're on vacation. More advanced features dim or increase brightness throughout the day based on how much natural light is available. Some systems allow each family member to customize lighting levels in a given room and program the settings into a keycard for instant activation. Motion sensors are another helpful feature. Sensors can be used as a security feature or to activate lights when someone enters a room. Using them in closets can improve energy efficiency, as lights will only turn on when the door is opened.

• Lighting timers can be controlled through the Internet via a computer
• Sensors turn lights on when you enter rooms for safer movement
• Lighting controls can also be wired to control blinds, shades and draperies
• Starter kits are economical and easy to install

Home Entertainment: It seems that with every new device you add to your home entertainment system, you acquire another remote control. Automating your entertainment center will not only allow you to replace the multitude of remotes with one controller, it will also enable you to press a single button to turn on the TV, set the volume to your favorite level and begin playing a DVD simultaneously. You can also incorporate security, lighting and other automated controls into your entertainment center, allowing you to adjust them easily through your television.

• Speakers can be unobtrusively built-in for a true surround-sound experience
• Incorporate speakers throughout your entire house for maximum utility
• Integrated systems incorporate home automation features into your entertainment center

Other Features: Climate control is another area where automated systems provide an array of options. Use them to adjust temperatures when you're on vacation to make sure that your pipes don't freeze in the winter and air conditioning is on in the summer. Sprinkler systems are another feature that you can automate and control remotely to ensure your grass stays green if an unexpected dry spell hits while you're away. Automate your phone system to add caller ID and screen your incoming calls.

• Climate can be altered through your phone or computer
• Motion sensors can activate sprinklers, deterring animals from harming landscaped areas
• Phone controls allow you to choose which calls ring in and which go straight to voicemail

Installation and Controls: Automated home controls require either a hardwired or wireless system. If you're currently building a house or plan to sometime soon, it's a good idea to hardwire it for home automation if you plan to install any home automation products now or in the future. If you do not have the proper wiring installed, choosing a wireless system will make it easier to retrofit your house. Systems are usually controlled through a central control panel, wall switches, remote control or computer.

• Infrared remote controls allow you to activate anything within your line of sight
• Radio-frequency (RF) controls work through walls and at longer distances
• Internet hookups allow you to remotely change automated settings

Primary Purpose	Components to Consider	Benefits
Climate Control	Automatic adjustment Remote adjustment	Greater comfort Remote accesss
Home Entertainment	Built-in speakers Centralized control systems	Easy operation from one location Enhanced viewing and listening
Lighting	Dimmers Motion sensors Timers	Energy efficiency Increased safety Mood lighting
Phone	Caller ID Voice controls	Call screening Hands-free use
Security	Cameras Motion sensors Silent and audible alarms	Customized settings Increased safety Remote access
Sprinklers	Motion sensors Timers	Deter pests and animals Remote access

Features

X10: X10 systems use existing electrical connections in your home to enable different devices to communicate with each other. Installing a wireless X10 system is easy, and it will allow you to control a range of compatible products. These systems tend to be very economical.

Wireless Operation: Many systems utilize wireless frequencies for more versatile and flexible operation of automated components. For even greater control, look for integrated systems that use both wireless radio frequencies as well as your home's existing electrical wiring for consistent, reliable performance.

Voice Activation: Voice-recognition technology can be used to enhance security systems, activate your TV or answer the phone, so it's easier for you to make adjustments or tackle tasks even when your hands are full.

E-Mail: Some security systems automatically send e-mails when alarms are triggered or provide photos of visitors - wanted and unwanted - when you're away, helping you keep a close eye on your house when you can't be there.