| When we think of home automation, we may | | | | system can be programmed to operate however |
| picture Rosie, the robot maid from The Jetsons | | | | the user sees fit, making it a versatile tool for |
| TV cartoon of the 1960s. That picture is not | | | | any home. |
| altogether faulty: there are robotic vacuums and | | | | A common example of the use of home |
| other devices that are popular in American homes | | | | automation is the blinking of all the lights when |
| today, but most home automation systems are | | | | sensors detect a fire; in the case of a home |
| built right into the house's wiring. | | | | theater system, the audio and picture will |
| Because of the sheer convenience of having open | | | | automatically turn off, alerting the occupants to |
| access to electrical systems, a home automation | | | | know that there is either a fire or an intruder in |
| system is most easily installed as a new house is | | | | their home. |
| being built. However, there are ways to retrofit | | | | Home automation on a large scale basis is really |
| an existing home with the wiring necessary to | | | | starting to catch on as an extra means of |
| obtain automation, but the process is | | | | security and convenience for America's |
| understandably more labor-intensive. | | | | homeowners. As mentioned, the best time to |
| The wiring generally operates through one or all of | | | | incorporate such a system into a house is when it |
| the following systems: HVAC, lighting, audio, video, | | | | is being built; however, professionals in the |
| security, and intercoms. In essence, when | | | | industry will be able to tell you if your existing |
| automation is in use, each room becomes a | | | | home is a candidate for automation. It's worth |
| "smart" room, able to sense movement as well | | | | looking into. |
| as changes in the normal environment. The | | | | |