At one time, any type of automation system was extravagant and invasive to install! I looked inot the option for the sake of increasing security.
I live alone and am away from household too often to own a cat.
I liked the idea of surveillance cameras, windows sensors and an alarm! However, wireless chances had not yet become available. Installation would have required drilling holes in walls; The unit was rather giant and uncharming. I knew that once the system became old, making improvements would be hard and extravagant, just recently, I once again researched household security systems and came across household automation systems, and smart homes are becoming more popular and reasonably priced. The features are wireless, making them quick and easy to set up. The simplicity of updating the software makes the system virtually future-proof. The security aspects of the automation system are really impressive. I have glass-breakage sensors on all the windows, motion-activated lights around the exterior perimeter and alarms on all exterior doors. The surveillance cameras supply real-time footage, and I can check the video through an app on my household at any time! Whether or not I am on the premises, I can reassure myself that the house is safe and secure. I have it set up so that when my car pulls into the driveway, the garage door automatically opens and the lights come on. The control unit registers the location of my smartphone and adjusts indoor temperature to conserve energy when I’m away and ensure perfect comfort when I’m at home, but everything from my water heater, sump pump and lights to the pop maker, washing machine and humidifier are incorporated into the automation system.