Benefit of Combining Home Automation With Alarm Systems
It wasn’t too long ago that home alarm systems served one purpose and one purpose only — to help you make sure that your family and your belongings were protected. That is still, of course, the main function of an alarm system, but they can do much more. Now many wireless alarm systems can provide home automation as well, including controls for lighting, temperature control and other home automation features. There are definite benefits to an all-in-one system like this.
The benefits of a home security system are well known. Especially in these challenging economic times, there are many thieves and other criminals who are looking for easy targets, and a house without a home alarm system could be an easy target. The best home alarm systems can scare intruders away or notify police of a break-in. Home automation has it’s benefits, as well, allowing you to control lighting and temperature so you never have to come home to a dark, cold house. All the while you can save a ton of money on your home energy bills. Just another added benefit to the top alarm systems.
Some facets of home automation are really geared toward alarms as well. Lighting, in particular, performs a distinct security function. One of the first thing a thief looks for when approaching the home of a potential victim is to see if there are any lights on. When they are casing a particular house or neighborhood over time, a thief is specifically looking for changes in lighting patterns, like one would see when someone is home and moving from room to room. Home automation allows you to create those pattern changes by using your computer or smartphone to turn lights on and off whenever you like, or set them on a schedule. Some home automation systems will even allow you to turn on your TV or stereo or adjust your blinds depending on the time of day.
Of course you could theoretically have two separate systems, one for your home alarm system and one for home automation, but this arrangement would most likely not be as convenient or efficient. By combining the two systems, you only have one alarm system company to deal with, one control system to use and one password to remember. Not to mention the best alarm companies will give you great alarm system discounts or alarm system coupons when combining an alarm system.
You also have the benefit of being able to take a holistic approach to home alarms, being able to check on one screen to make sure that your alarm is armed, the right lights are on and the blinds are closed. In the event that there actually is an intrusion while you are away, you can have lights go on in conjunction with the audible alarm, giving a would-be thief the thought that someone is turning on the lights and coming to get them.
A home alarm system is practically a necessity in this day and age, and home automation is a very nice convenience. When you combine the two, they enhance the safety of your home even further and make it easier for you to manage your home and keep it safe when you’re away. You can check out our alarm system reviews to find out more about each security system company and their home automation offerings.