Welcome to Your Jetson Home

Whoever invented the phrase “everything at the push of a button” probably didn’t have running an entire house through a cell phone or tablet in mind. Well, the future is here. Homeowners can now control everything from their blender to their microwave to their home security by simply opening a smartphone app.

With this next-generation level of connectivity, you can actually run your entire home — with your everyday devices synced together over the web — with the push of a button. 

Ready to upgrade your home? Here’s a guide to help you begin:

Upgrade Your Security

The best way to get automated? Start with your home security system. Most provide home automation features and allow you to remotely control certain devices. By starting here, you’ll reduce your potential cost and ensure you don’t double up on services.

“Today’s home security systems and automation [tools] are kind of one and the same,” says Robert Siciliano, home security expert and founder of Safr.me. “I would start off with a home security system that has built-in automation.”

You can either install your smart-home security on your own or call in professional help (this should help you decide).

Automate These Features

When you’re choosing what product and services to integrate into your home, keep this checklist in mind. Your home security should: 

• Monitor all entrances and exits to your home, including all doors and windows.
• Include window-break sensors to trigger an alarm if your glass is broken. 
• Sync to your wireless network so you can turn the alarm on or off while you’re at work, traveling, or picking up your kids from school.
• Disable itself at specific times — say when your kids return home from school. 
• Send you live feeds from any cameras you set up to your smartphone when you’re away. 
• Signal a third-party monitor who can call the police if you’re in trouble. A service agreement with a central alarm monitoring company could make you eligible for a 5 percent discount on your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance property insurance policy.
• Be reputable. (Siciliano works with the website Best Home Security Companys, which ranks your options and provides user reviews.) 

Sync Your Appliances

Once you’ve upgraded your home security system, you can begin connecting everything. “It’s only limited to the consumer’s imagination,” says Siciliano. “Anything you can do to manipulate power, you can incorporate into one of today’s home security systems.” A few key options include: 

• Set the mood. By linking to your lights, thermostats, or even your blinds, you can set your home’s atmosphere before you ever walk through the door.
• Keep it cool. Set the A/C so it revs up before you return.
• Warm it up. Turn on the fireplace before you step out of your car.
• Schedule when the lights go out. This will help reduce your electric bill.

What do you think? Will you automate the blender or the microwave next?

Texas Farm Bureau members are eligible for discounts on ADT monitoring. Get the offer here, and make sure your home has in place all the alarms you need. 

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.