Home automation companies have evolved in recent years as a result of the demand for such services and the availability of connected smart devices on the market today.
There are many local businesses that offer specialty or customized home automation services however there are a few reputable national Home Automation Companies to consider if you are not a do it yourselfer.
The most common are Home Security companies. They make a good fit for home automation because many of the smart home devices are created around home security and monitoring services.
These companies have jumped on the connected home movement and have created apps that integrate with many Smart Devices giving the user the ability to monitor and control their homes.
What do Home Automation / Home Security Companies Offer?
The most reputable companies offer a variety of custom built systems tailored to meet your specific needs. These systems are often built around the goal of home security and monitoring services but can easily be integrated with Smart Home Automation.
Infact most systems today incorporate some Smart Home technologies and automation. The most common include Security Sensors, Safety Alarms, and Security Cameras.
Security Sensors
Security Sensors can notify, alert, and alarm when triggered. An example would be door and window sensors that notify you if they are opened or are left open for a period of time. Glass break sensors are also an option to detect someone breaking into a window. And motion detectors will detect motion when armed to notify movement in the house.
Safety Alarms
Most everyone is familiar with safety alarms such as Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and also Flood Detectors.
In the event of a fire, the Smoke Detectors will not only alert you and your family with an audible alarm to warn you to seek safety, but with a monitoring system, the fire department can be called immediately to respond to the fire.
The same is true for the Carbon Monoxide Detector. If your furnace is leaking dangerous levels of CO into your home, the alert can be lifesaving for your family. Unfortunately there are many families each year in the winter that go to sleep and never wake up because of a leak from their furnace.
The least common safety detector is a Leak or Flood Detector. These sensors can detect moisture and leaks and alert you before major flooding occurs due to a leaking or busted pipe. Some also have temperature sensors to help prevent freezing pipes during the winter. A practical application would be for a part time or vacation home.
Security Cameras
Security Cameras are the most popular and desired components of a home security or Smart Home application. These of course allow you to monitor in real time and record both audio and video of events happening inside and outside of your house.
Today most cameras also include two way communication allowing you to speak with someone on the other side of the camera and have a conversation. A practical application would be speaking to someone delivering a package through the doorbell cam.
There are a variety of cameras and camera types today including indoor and outdoor cams as well as doorbell cams. Most cameras today also include night vision mode and some include external motion activated lights.
Other features include sending clips and alerts to your phone when motion is recorded. This allows you to see the event and save the clip. You can also share the clip with someone or even post to your favorite social media site.
You can log into the app for viewing your cameras and record a clip or take a photo whenever you want.
Practical applications for Security Cameras besides home security are monitoring a baby, or children at home alone after school. Checking in on a pet that is home alone, or seeing who is at the front door. Sometimes logging in to see the weather at home if it’s raining or snowing, especially when out of town is a good benefit.
Smart Home Control
Smart Home Control is another feature that Home Security Companies offer. This usually includes an app and a hub or panel for home control.
Devices that you can integrate with your Smart Home include door locks, smart lights, smart thermostats, and garage doors. All of these devices can be integrated with your home security system. They can be controlled through the app, panel, or an integrated Voice Assistant.
Voice Assistants such as the popular Amazon Echo devices with Alexa or the Google Home Hub are commonly used as part of Smart Home Control.
Monitoring Services
One of the benefits of having a professional Home Security / Home Automation System installed is the convenience of 24/7 monitoring.
While there is a monthly cost associated with the monitoring, you can have the piece of mind that whether you are sleeping or away on vacation, professionals are monitoring your alarms and will not only contact you, but contact emergency services when required.
Top Home Automation and Home Security Companies
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-home-security-systems
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/vivint-smart-home
Vivint Smart Home
The best All-In-One Security and Home Automation System is Vivint Smart Home,
According to a PCMAG.com article, “The Best Smart Home Security Systems for 2021”, updated March 10, 2021.
The article gives Pros and Cons of different systems including DIY systems offered as well. Here you can see the comparison of pricing, specs, and the reviews from the article.
The Vivint website says there is professional installation with $0 activation fees. They offer 24/7 monitoring and also have business solutions.
They have Smart Home Control Systems such as
- Smart Locks
- Smart Thermostats
- Smart Lighting
- Home Security
- Security Cameras – Indoor, Outdoor, and Doorbell
The Vivint Smart Home Control / Security Systems also integrates with both the Google Home Control and Amazon Echo Voice Assistants.
ADT
ADT is another top rated Home Security / Home Automation system that rivals Vivint.
ADT also offers 24/7 professional monitoring with home security features and smart home control as well. Additionally they offer a DIY package for renters called “Blue”, that can be set up in 20 minutes. https://www.adt.com/protect/DIY
ADT does integrate with many of the popular smart devices for home control, such as lighting, camera, locks, and thermostats, but it only works with the Google Voice Assistant and not the Amazon Alexa line of products.
