Home automation systems and smart home products are hot topics now, but many people are still a little unsure of where to start. There are a lot of reasons why a home security or home monitoring system is a great way to get your feet wet when testing out the best home automation solutions.
Home automation and home security go hand in hand. Often the main processor or hub for a security system can also handle all or some of a family’s smart home needs. That makes it easy to upgrade when you’re ready to move beyond security and on to automation.
Here are three reasons security is a great place to start with your home automation project:
Sensors can multitask
Security systems are largely built with sensors—contact sensors for windows and doors, motion sensors, gyroscopic sensors, heat sensors, noise sensors. In a security system, those sensors help detect activity when there should be no activity, and then alert you when there’s a problem. In a home automation setup, many of those same sensors can be configured to trigger other devices, such as lights and smart thermostats or even your home music system. For example, a motion sensor in the kitchen can be programmed to tune in your favorite Pandora station when it knows you’re home from work.
Get used to the interface
One of the biggest learning curves in any home automation system is getting adjusted to using the interface, whether that’s a touchpanel, keypad or app on your smart phone. When you start with a security system, you’ll have to interact with it a couple of times a day to arm and disarm it. That’s an easy way to get comfortable with the look and feel of the on-screen features, especially if you’re new to this kind of technology. A home monitoring system will also help to show you the advantages of remote access when you’re away from your home, but still need to check on the system’s status.
Security systems are affordable
The devices that make up a security system are not very expensive. Some door and window sensors can cost less than $50 each. You probably already have a smart phone or tablet, so many times you won’t need an additional control device. When you’re ready to upgrade, you can add one device or one room at a time. Add a room’s worth of lighting control for the cost of a couple wireless dimmers. Add your front porch light to the system by installing a wireless LED light bulb. If you’re doing the system yourself, you can slowly work your way up to an entire home system. If you’re working with a professional, set a budget and work with your installer to upgrade your system at your pace.