Using Timers

I recently wrote about home automation and how that can easily be a DIY project.  When setting up a home automation system, it is quite easy to add in a few low cost extras that aren't part of the main home automation system and yet are quite effective.  One of the easiest and low cost additions are timers.

Using timers make a lot of sense in terms of home security, energy efficiency, energy conservation and simply saving money on electrical consumption.  Pictured are two timers I recently bought for $4.99 each.  These are simple plug in times rather than the hard wired timers.  They are ideal for timed control of plug ins like lamps, garden lighting and radios as well as seasonal lighting like Christmas lights.

The plug in times come with 4 to 6 movable pins that determine when the plugged in lamp is turned on or off.  This allows you to set up to 3 time periods the lights are turned on.  Simply move the pins to the desired position, set the actual time on the timer dial then plug in to the socket.   Plug the lamp, radio or string of lights in and you are set up.  Timers when used properly give the appearance someone is home even though they aren't so it is important to set up timers so they don't create a pattern if using for home security purposes.  Timers also control lighting that otherwise may get left on too long costing you money.  In short, timers are a valuable, low cost addition to your home automation tools.


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