subject: The Home Of The Future - Today [print this page] Whether you want your blinds to open and close at a certain time, your lights to go on and off to an appointed schedule or to just have your coffee pot start brewing your morning java before your alarm goes off so that you can wake up to the delightful smell of fresh coffee, there is technology out there to help you do it all.
For instance, the sophisticated home emergency management systems of the 21st century can detect a fire in the house, sound the alarm, call 911, shut off all fans and heating/air conditioning systems, turn on all hallway lights and indicate the exact location of the fire. Some of these systems can even turn on and flash all outdoor lights to make it easier for emergency crews to find the house.
They can also be combined with anti theft systems that can go through similar actions when the presence of an intruder is detected. Having this kind of system installed is certain to make anyone sleep a little easier in their bed at night.
Programmable lighting and heating systems are especially good for when a family goes away on vacation or even for a summer home that is unlikely to see any visitors until after the first daffodils have bloomed. Turn the lights on and off at a programmed time and your empty house is less likely to draw the attention of burglars. By keeping the heat on in an empty home for at least part of the time you will also avoid the misery of frozen pipes and the resulting flooding.
There are also other, less practical, but very useful technologies that are gaining in popularity. The programmable coffee maker is almost old hat these days but how about a refrigerator that can generate a tasty recipe for you based on the available contents? Or a little sensor placed underneath your washing machine that will turn it off automatically if it senses even the beginnings of a water leak? There are some very interesting home technologies out there and more are being developed all the time.
