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An Introduction To Air Compressors
Air compressors are widely used among American manufacturers, industries and are often valuable components in automotive functions. Air compressors are typically available as both gas and electrically powered devices. It usually costs quite a bit to...
Attention Homeowners: Replacing Your Faucets Will Make a World of Difference
(ARA) – A lot of people would love to have a new kitchen or bathroom, but once they learn about the costs involved, they may get discouraged.
Cabinets alone can run you in excess of $10,000, and that’s not including the cost of installation....
Keep your house move hassle-free: seven essential tips
I've always been a bit of a nomad and with 20 moves in 25 years, I've learned a thing or two about moving myself and my stuff from place to place. Here are seven steps you can take to make move day go smoothly.
1. Upstairs, downstairs
Everything...
Water Pond Wildlife - How To Attract More Animals to Your Backyard
Wildlife require water just as humans do. Water is essential for life. Songbirds use it for bathing and preening; waterfowl and shorebirds for finding food and escaping predators; and muskrat, mink and beaver for every part of their existence. ...
When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!
(ARA) - It’s late at night and you and your family are sound asleep. Suddenly, you are awakened by the piercing signal of the smoke alarm and you realize there is a fire in your home. Do you know what to do to survive?
According to the...
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Log Home Automation? Excuse me?
On first hearing the term "home automation", most log home owners will say something like... I didn't build a rustic log home to turn it into a high-tech, silicon powered "smart building".
I couldn't agree more, the ever-changing technology of our fast-paced, hyper get-ahead world is one of the things most of us were trying to leave behind. But don't let misinformation (or misunderstanding) keep you from achieving your original goal of simplifying your life.
Most of us can recall the first time we felt the excitement of making a light turn on with a timer, or changed channels on our TV with a remote control. A home automation system is about automating everyday tasks like those while getting the most from our energy dollars and protecting our home. Further good news is that we don't have to call in the professionals to make it all happen.
Today's home automation products are effortless to set up, even for non-geeks, and the cost is amazingly inexpensive. A typical starter kit, which includes home automation software several modules, remote controls and sensors is less than $100. Also, one of the best features of these systems is that you don't have to leave your computer turned on for everything to work (additional modules for lamps and appliances cost as little as $15).
A company called X10 is the leader in inexpensive home automation products and offers a product called ActiveHome Professional (learn more here http://www.home-automation.us/).
After programming by your computer, an interface box communicates with your appliances through your home's electrical wires. You can program the system to do amazing things using the ActiveHome Pro software. It is possible to lower your energy bills by developing schedules for lights and appliances.
You can download a plug-in from X10 that permits modules to operate on an "if-then" basis. For instance... if a room is dark and motion is detected, lights can be turned on in sequence, or music can play (or an alarm can activate). You are limited only by your imagination. In fact, X10 also offers a free software development kit that can interface with your e-mail. The point is, you can use the command modules to perform basic functions or get as creative as you want.
So, you may have chosen to escape the city by building a log home in the country, but inserting a little technology in the mix will help you achieve your dream of simplifying your life. Its never been easier or more affordable to put home automation to work. Learn more about the X10 Home Automation system at: http://www.home-automation.us/.
About The Author
Tom Heatherington is editor and founder of the Log Cabin Directory, a "human edited" directory of log home and log cabin manufacturers, contractors, dealers, plans and information for the United States and Canada. Visit: http://www.logcabindirectory.com/.
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