1. It’s affordable.
Some people assume that home automation is only for Silicon Valley millionaires or 50,000-square foot homes. In fact, our smart home starter packages for studio or one-bedroom apartments start as low as $899, including installation and programming. The good news is that systems can be customized to meet all needs and budgets.
2. It’s flexible.
People change, and so do their needs. Maybe you want to start honing your gourmet skills. Time to create a “Cooking Scene” to set up the perfect kitchen lights and background music for your culinary adventures. Whatever your newfound interests, updates to your home automation system can be made at any time, even after it’s installed.
3. It’s scalable.
Good home automation systems let cautious adopters give something a try before going all in. With the Control4 system, for example, you can start with a single feature—like streamlining control of all of your media devices. As part of the Harman Home Automation Starter Package, you can control your TV, cable or Roku box, and Blu-Ray player with one remote or, even better, select them with the push of one button. Once you fall in love with the simplicity of home automation, you can always add more solutions over time without having to start over.
4. It’s easy to use.
True, in the early days it might have seemed like you needed a degree in programming to understand home automation, but the field has matured to the point where it’s as simple as using—or, better yet, not using—an old-fashioned house key. With simple interactions, like hitting a single button to turn off all the lights in the house or to activate a “welcome home” scene the moment you open the door, it literally could not be easier.
5. It’s accessible from anywhere.
Anyone who’s ever left home in a hurry knows that nagging feeling: Did I leave the lights on? Did I lock the door? No problem. Home automation offers remote access so that you can check on your system from anywhere, even when you’re on vacation. Need to let your out-of-town guests into your house before you get home from work? You can receive a video call of them ringing the bell and unlock the door for them from your phone.
6. It’s green.
With a home automation system, you can be sure that you don’t waste energy (or money) by accidentally leaving any lights, heating, or media running when everyone’s either gone to bed or left for school or work. And, as mentioned above, you can always check remotely to see what’s running in your house, no matter where you are.
7. It’s inevitable.
Like the internet itself, smart home technologies are becoming part of everyday life. And once the novelty has worn off, hitting a button called Movie Night to dim the lights, turn on the TV, open your Netflix queue, and adjust the volume for your surround-sound system will seem as basic as flipping a light switch. You still need to make your own popcorn, for now.