Home automation…for everyone
HA has finally become within reach of all of us, not just those who can afford $10,000+ for a Crestron system.
The price for a quality, reliable HA system has come down so far that everyone should have one installed. For a few hundred bucks, you can control everything in your house by remote control, including your A/C, lights, and even your window shades (though the motors for shades are still a little pricey).
Most people don’t understand the convenience until they see on in action, but I’ve had mine set up for 2 years now and can’t imagine living without it.
When I wake up in the morning, I push a button on a remote on my bedside table and my whole house lights up. When I leave for work, I press a button next to my front door and everything turns off, including my home theater. I can even log into my home server to turn lights on and off (and open my front door!) from my iPod Touch, handy when I have someone going to my house and can’t meet them in person.
I’m getting ready to upgrade to a higher quality brand (X10 to Insteon) and will post the details of my setup when I get around to doing it.
If you are trying to sell your house, installing one of these systems goes a long way towards adding to the “wow” factor.
They are particularly good for vacation homes. You’ll never worry about leaving something on or running when you leave again.
