Parade of Homes

Cont'd on page 12 Although wireless technology isn't new — automated lighting and security systems have been around for decades — the ability to access your home's control centre from your office, car or favourite vacation spot has only developed over the past six years, thanks to the prevalence of smartphones and increasing consumer demand for con- venience and timesaving devices. Integrated systems might be used for se- curity — allowing users to adjust security camera angles, set alarms and perform oth- er functions from their smartphones — or they might involve sophisticated set-ups that let you control everything from sound systems and entertainment centres to out- door lighting. Homeowners can use a remote control or touch-screen panel while they're home, or a desktop computer, tablet or smartphone while they're away from home. It's possible to place automatic settings on integrated systems and request email or text-message warnings if something deviates from that setting. For example, if the temperature rises sharply, homeowners can be alerted that the air conditioner should be turned on. "there are a lot of people that like the idea of being able to monitor their home when they're not home — for example, when they travel," says trevor Siepman, operations manager of Advance electronics. people who plan to be away for extended periods of time can set lights to go on and off at set hours, giving the appearance that their house is occupied. they can also check to make sure that no break-ins have occurred and that their furnace is running normally. 'There are a lot of people that like the idea of being able to monitor their home when they're not home — for example, when they travel' S y S t e m S g i V e h O m e O W n e r S a c c e S S t O i n t e g r at e d t e c h n O lO g y f r O m a n y lO c at i O n . Parade of Homes Fall 2014 11

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