George Orwell would turn over in his grave if he saw the technological advancements made in security. Home security has come a long way since door sensors and property cameras. As technology advances, these simple systems become less effective. With new systems integrated into home automation systems, including the monitoring of fire, medical, carbon monoxide, flood and freeze hazards in addition to traditional burglary alarm and video surveillance systems— homes have never been safer. What do advanced home automation systems have to offer home security? How do they work?

What is Home Automation?

A home automation system integrates electrical devices in a house with each other.These systems have been used for decades in commercial buildings. It is accessible and is becoming more affordable to residential properties through the revolution of the Internet and smart phones. Home automation is a central control that has the possibility to control every technology function in a home. From a home entertainment system, to electricity use, security and more. Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and appliances.

Home Automation and Security

Mobile technology has made it possible to access and control home automation systems and can be accessed from any location on the planet where an Internet connection is available. For example, home security systems from LifeShield have downloadable mobile apps for smart phones. Users can monitor, disarm or arm their home’s alarm with a touch of a button. Monitoring systems provide data, telling users who is accessing their house and how often and even allows for the viewing of surveillance video in real-time. These systems can provide data without surveillance by providing different codes for different people. You can receive texts informing you when each code is entered, letting you know who is there and when.

Aiding security, home automation condenses fire alarms, gas alarms, motion senors, video cameras etc. into one unit. The X10, ZiggBee, Universal Powerline Bus, Insteon and Wi-Fi are all systems that give you the ability to access your alarm remotely. You’re able to turn off and on cameras, unlock the door and turn off the alarm remotely.

According to Parks Associates, a home security industry market research group, 1/4 of American homes already use home security systems. Although the industry peaked just before the housing crash and has since mirrored its digression, reports predict the use of home automation will double within the next four years. Along with personal data, many home automation systems allow you to view the crime in your area, monitor what’s happening around you, track neighbors and see patterns in crime trends in your surroundings.