FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Home Automation?

"Home Automation" is defined as a process or system, using different methods or equipment, which provides the ability to enhance one's lifestyle, and make a home more comfortable, safe and efficient. Take a look at the picture below to get an idea of home automation and how it can benefit you.

How much does it cost?

You can go all out and put in all the bells and whistles at once or you can build it up a little at a time as your needs and budget allow.
Total Control Automation specializes in bringing you the latest and greatest in home technology at discounted prices. Our consulting and design departments are specially trained to help you with your selections and with your installation. Total Control Automation can work within any budget.

How long does it take to get a system installed?

There is no standard installation time. Time variances occur by the type of systems you want. For example, a whole home control system will take longer to install and configure than a simple wireless computer network. Total Control Automation takes pride in completing installation by the finish date. Time constraints will be established after your home automation needs are assessed.

What can be automated?

Most of the subsystems and devices in and around the home can be connected and automated on a home network. Soon, even appliances will communicate on the home network. In the near future appliances and devices will be manufactured with intelligence built-in so that they will send status information on the home network. Take a look at the different subsystems, the possibilities are endless.

Home Subsystems and Devices
Home Automation System				Home Security System				Computer-Internet system
_{Heating & Cooling Control}	_{Electrical Device Control}	_{Entertainment Control}	_{Energy Management}	_Alarms	_Monitoring	_Surveillance	_Safety	_{Communications}	_Computing	_Internet	_{Interactive Control}
_{Heating Cooling Humidity Hot Water Thermostat Set Backs}	_{Lighting Appliance Doors & Gates Blinds & Drapes Pumps & Filters Sprinklers Fans Scene Control Garage Doors Greenhouse Pool & Spa Feeders Watering systems}	_{Television Cable Stereo Compact Disc VCR Home Theater Multi-room A/V Outdoor A/V Remote Control DVD Player}	_{Monitoring of power consumption Control power consumption Setback Remotely control a vacation home environment}	_{Motion Sensor Vibration Sensor Driveway Sensor Remote Control Gas Leak Sensor Smoke Sensor Heat Sensor Flood Sensor Magnetic Sensor (windows / doors) Triggers Paging & Internet upload of Video Surveillance}	_{Cameras Indoor areas Front door PC area Internet activity Baby area Access through the Internet}	_{Outdoor Areas Swimming Pool VCR Taped Digitally Saved Internet Recorded}	_{Flood Lights Monitoring Service Disability Devices Remote Control Panic Buttons}	_{Telephone Voice Mail Intercom Paging Email Facsimile Caller ID Call Notification Remote Message Video Conference}	_{Multimedia Television Recipes Shopping List Checkbook Bill Payment Greeting Cards Home Database Picture Album Medical Records Schedule Events Scanner & Copy Event Logging Photography & Video editing}	_{Electronic Library Email News Sports Weather Stock Data Shopping Mall Grocery Store Consumer Info. Commercial Info. Maps Travel Investments Video Surveillance Internet Uploads}	_{Voice Recognition Telephone Touch screen Timers Internet Consoles Remote PC Remote controller}

Is home automation easy to operate?

Home automation systems are designed with the owners in mind. Software allows for easy use and configuring of your home systems to your exact specifications. "You can control your house, with the click of a mouse!" Total Control Automation offers training to customers, so they can feel confident and comfortable with their new systems.