Controlling Your House With Your iPad
Advancements in technology now allow tech-savvy homeowners to control many features of their home with an iPad. Features such as interior lighting, electronics, appliances, air conditioning and security systems can be accessed from nearly anywhere via specialized software and hardware. This allows a homeowner to exercise more control over their home while at work or away on vacation.
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About
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Controlling your house via an iPad requires a communications network, hardware and software. Specialized electronic devices such as door locks, light switches or lamp controllers are installed or attached to the features you want to control. Your iPad then uses hardware manufacturer-proprietary software that provides a graphic, user-friendly interface for controlling attached devices. Communication between your software and hardware is provided by either a hard-wired "mesh network," radio waves or a combination of both, referred to as a "dual mesh" network.
Applications
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When at home, you can use an iPad to control lighting, adjust heating and air conditioning systems, set up home theater equipment, turn on home audio components and more. While away, control of perimeter and interior lighting, adjustment of environmental controls, monitoring the status of a home security system or checking that exterior doors are locked can be accomplished via an iPad-controlled system. The ability to control sprinkler systems, swimming pool filtration and automatic doors could also be installed.
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Benefits
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The convenience of automation is a primary benefit of controlling your house with your iPad. For example, using virtual software timers to control lighting while on vacation can automate home security measures. Programs that return heating and air conditioning to normal levels can ensure you return to a comfortable home. Intelligent thermostats and other iPad-controlled environmental systems can adjust the temperature of your house to save money when you are away.
Disadvantages
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Lack of iPad signal access can prevent communication with your home control system. This can happen when traveling in areas with limited cellular service. A broken or malfunctioning iPad can also prevent you from accessing your home control network or even send errant commands that result in undesired operation. The possibility of unauthorized access or control can result from unsecured wireless home control systems. A lost or stolen iPad could present a possible security issue for your home.
Cost
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The cost to install iPad-controlled home automation systems will depend on the type of system installed and number of devices controlled. A hard-wired mesh network may incur professional installation expenses, while a wireless system can be a do-it-yourself project. At time of publication, wireless light dimmer switches started at approximately $70 each and wireless electric plugs could be purchased at approximately $30 each. Some manufacturers offer packages of controllers, switches and other devices at various price levels.
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References
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