Smarter way to home security

Imagine being able to monitor your home from across the world using your mobile phone. With an automated security system in place CCTV cameras, motion sensors and intelligent lighting takes care of your home while youre away. All it takes now is a bit of planning during the construction stage to automate your home say experts. The prices of home automation systems have become more affordable and its no longer looked at a niche luxury addition. For instance, when planned in advance, a two-bedroom apartment of about Rs.80, 00,000 can be converted into a smart home for an additional cost of Rs.5, 00,000. But if the decision is made at a later stage, costs could go up to Rs.8, 00,000, says Chitti Babu, Managing Director of Akshaya Homes, who is offering smart homes to customers in the city.

Apart from controlling the audio/video systems, curtains and Intercoms, home automation systems comes with CCTV cameras, centrally controlled heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) and irrigation systems. While integrated BMS (building management software) is replacing manual requirements in commercial projects now, it is just a matter of time before it becomes common in our homes, says Pavitra Sriprakash, Director Shilpa Architects Planners Designers. She says, Smart technologies offer the opportunity to monitor system performances and thereby improve energy use within a home. For example, lights and other appliances can automatically be turned off when inhabitants are not in the space. Safety too is a key aspect when talking about a smart home and systems today have gone further than just sensors to give homeowners information of what is going on. A system constantly sends out notifications to a users device if there is any unforeseen activity detected.

But Shripal Munshi, Partner Shripal and Venkat Architects say theres no point in building Smart homes when its not backed with infrastructure. One needs 24/7 uninterrupted electricity and water for these integrated systems to work effectively. Smart homes dont work in dumb environments so home buyers need to be sure of infrastructure. If thats in place, home automation is a great idea, both aesthetically and economically are usually recovered in the long term. So well see the technology becoming a norm in most houses soon, he says.

Despite the luxury smart homes come with, it is the security factor which really attracts customers to the technology adds Babu. He says, Earlier, we had to explain the concept of smart homes to get clients onboard. Now, theyre aware of the technology and its safety factor. So these initial costs are not looked at too seriously when security is of concern. In the long run, these systems work out cheaper when one accounts for the energy it saves and costs of hiring a watchman or security personnel.

Popular brands in home automation

1)Philips-Dynalite

2)Schneider

3)Anchor

4)Qlite

5)Lutron

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Smarter way to home security