Repsol YPF

They are called intelligent houses. In an automated home all everyday appliances can be automatically or manually controlled: light switches, air conditioning, music systems, the television, the washing machine, water sprinklers and even the coffee machine. However, this technology need not be applied to the entire house. Just as with decorating, all the devices can be installed at once or we can set up an intelligent house little by little, depending on our specific needs and the budget available. It can be done bit by bit or we can limit ourselves to something as simple as automating the lights in certain rooms and specific household appliances. Sensible management
Home automation leads to an energy saving by sensibly managing the use of appliances. An intelligent house or office enables us to incorporate the latest, most energy efficient technology, which is also safe and comfortable. It may be said that it is a group of applications aimed at saving and comfort thanks to a programmed control which may be managed remotely. One of the biggest benefits of managing your home in this way is the energy that is saved, but we should not forget the increased quality of life and greater safety. Generally, automated systems are not marketed in a generic fashion with basic features, other than in isolated cases. Automated lighting is one of the most sought after applications and this is relatively easy to implement. From a distance
Furthermore, remote control not only benefits the user but also encourages the development of new services in the home. It is already possible to control any automated property via Internet or SMS messages. The use of information technology in the home will be a basic and crucial aspect in various areas: - Lighting: Thanks to some sensors, the lights come on on their own when someone enters the room. A presence detector is responsible for switching them on. The light intensity can also be regulated and lights can be switched on at certain intervals. On the other hand, the porch light, for example, may be programmed to stay on for a certain period of time.
- Domestic appliances: The electronics ensure that machines such as the washing machine or dishwasher come on when the energy tariff is lower.
- Air conditioning: We can have complete control over the air conditioning by programming the temperature in every room. New systems also have the option to lower the inside temperature if it gets hotter outside. The remote control enables us to regulate the thermostat from a distance by making a single phone call.
- Controlling awnings, curtains and blinds: We can operate these elements even when we are away from home in order to make better use of the light and heat of the sun. 
- Heating: Using a digital chrono-thermostat the heating can come on when the atmospheric temperature is lower than that selected. If preferred, the owner can switch on the heating by making a phone call and using certain codes, as well as establishing the temperature of each room.
- The audio and video equipment is very high-quality to enable the user to enjoy his passions and make adjustments anywhere in the house.
- Garden: The latest technology in garden automation is watering via meteorological sensors.
- Surveillance and security systems: The most sophisticated systems to protect the home from burglary, disasters and fire can also be intelligent. Notification may even be carried out via e-mail. A TV camera or webcam allow a building to be controlled from anywhere in the world. With remote video surveillance a place can be monitored from a PC or PDA in any Internet browser, even from some mobile phones. Protective bars and locks can also be automatically operated at the times selected.
- People dependant on others can control their homes completely at the touch of a button and rely on personal emergency response systems should they need them. Finally, there are some sensors, called "IP meters", which transmit the exact energy consumption of each area of the house or specific appliances to the computer system. In this way, it is possible to know the exact cost distribution so as to overcome the inefficient use of energy. However, in a house with control systems and automatic electronic devices, waste will no longer be produced as a result of forgetfulness or oversights.