My husband and I split our time between two houses. We spend approximately half the year at each one of them. We remain in the north from sometime in early April to the end of October and then head south for the next six months. With our living arrangements, we get to enjoy the best weather in both locations. We avoid the summer heat and humidity down south and the snow and sub zero winter temperatures in the north. However, taking care of two houses is more work and worry. We stress over the possibility of the pipes freezing in our empty house if something should go wrong with the heater. We are always worried over fire, flooding and break-ins. We finally invested in a home automation system for each residence. The system includes a smart thermostat, carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, moisture sensors and all sorts of security features. As part of the security system, the house is equipped with glass breakage sensors, surveillance cameras and automated door locks. If someone should enter the house, they have a brief amount of time to punch in a security code before the alarm sounds. My husband and I immediately get notified. Unless the it is a false alarm, the proper authorities are dispatched. We also have the ability to keep an eye on both houses because of the surveillance cameras. At any time, we can watch a live video stream through our laptops, tablets or smartphone. The whole home automation system has provided greater comfort, efficiency, convenience and security. It has made going back and forth between two properties way easier.
