| In the old "Jetsons" cartoon show, this futuristic | | | | home. This is useful for safety as well as security |
| family rarely had to lift a finger in their home: | | | | reasons, and can be used both for indoor as well |
| almost every single function was automated! Well, | | | | as outdoor and garden lights. |
| it seems as if the future is finally here in real life. | | | | --Security: This is often the area that is first |
| Although most of us still don't have robot maids | | | | automated in a home. Surveillance cameras are |
| or flying automobiles to get to work in, most of | | | | often installed as part of this kind of systems, |
| our home's systems can be automated for our | | | | and police are immediately notified if an intruder |
| convenience and safety. Here's a quick look. | | | | enters your home. Home and garage doors can |
| Of course, basic automation in the home is | | | | be locked or unlocked from remote locations, |
| nothing new. Most of us enjoy the convenience of | | | | offering you greater control of your own security. |
| automatic dishwashers, garage door openers, and | | | | --Heating and Cooling: Programmable thermostats |
| security systems. The main difference with | | | | are handy, but they don't offer off-site control. |
| today's "smart homes" is that entire systems are | | | | When your system is automated, you can turn |
| automated, and they can even be controlled from | | | | the cooler on for your children or your pets if |
| remote locations. Here are some of the most | | | | you're going to be home late, and you can |
| popular types of home automation: | | | | automatically decrease the temperature if you |
| --Lighting: With a home automation system for | | | | decide to go away for a few days. |
| lighting, homeowners have the freedom to turn | | | | Home automation is making life easier for millions |
| lights on and off when they are away from | | | | of Americans: the future is now. |