Beginners Guide to Home Automation
Home automation is the ability to access, control, program, and monitor the basic functions and electronic devices in your home automatically, via a control panel, or remotely through a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone.
Lights – Lighting control systems can automatically turn lights off or on, open and close window shades, or be programmed according to your schedule. You can remotely monitor and control your lights even when away from home. Away from home and forgot to turn off the light in the garage or turn on the outside lights?
Locks – Door locks can be set to automatically unlock as you approach or lock once you are a certain distance away. Away from home and not sure if you forgot to lock a door or need to let a neighbor in? Use your smartphone to remotely lock or unlock the door in your house.
Temperature – Smart thermostats can control temperature and humidity either automatically through sensors that monitor and adjust accordingly or through applications that enable you to adjust setting even when away from home.
Small Appliances – Appliance control modules enable to you to control home appliances such as lamps, coffee makers, and cloths irons. Left the house and realized you forgot to turn off the curling iron in the bathroom. Just use your phone app to turn it off!
While cost for individual automation devices may vary, entry into home automation is fairly affordable. And with CallOrange’s free equipment and installation special currently being offered, getting a home alarm and automation system is risk free! CallOrange also offers monitoring for half the price of most competitors at only $29.99 per month with NO annual contract!
Free equipment
Mobile & tablet app control*
A sticker can’t stop a burglar from entering your home but it may be just enough to make them think twice. Along with a yard sign, security stickers on your windows are an easy and affordable burglar deterrent. Place them in the lower corner right where someone from the outside will see them at eye level.
Laminated or tempered glass are probably the best option when choosing a window glass for home security but they can be expensive. A more affordable option without having to replace your windows is security window film. A do-it-yourself film that can be applied to your windows that will hold the glass together when broken. A thief may still be able to break through but the extra effort and noise may not be worth the risk!
In addition to your standard window locks you can add adjustable locks that fit right into the window tracks. These locks can be used as an extra lock on the window or adjusted so you window can only be opened a few inches. Adjust them at a level wide enough to let fresh air in but low enough to keep thieves out!
I’m not talking about imprisoning yourself behind metal bars (although those are good for keeping people both in and out!) I’m talking about a single bar that can be wedged into the window frame to prevent the window from being opened. You can either measure and cut your own from a wooden dowel or you can purchase adjustable metal rods made specifically for this purpose. Bars work especially well on horizontally sliding windows and doors.
Most home security system will have window sensors that will sound an alarm when a window is opened. If a home security system is out of your budget or if you rent, an easy and affordable solution is small battery powered window alarms. These small devices stick to your window and frame and when a window is opened, the pieces separate activating a high-decibel alarm. Place them in a position so that they are not easily reached by a burglar who may have opened your window (not like this image!)
