Think about all the conveniences we enjoy today but once didn't have. Remember TVs without remote controls? We actually had to get up and change the channel! Now it's a crisis when a remote control goes missing. How about push-button telephones? Or motorized garage door openers, electric can openers, debit cards and the Internet?

Some home technologies aren't quite at the everybody-has-it stage, but they may be some day. Multiline, multi-extension telephone systems, for one, are a godsend to those who run busy businesses from their busy homes. Central vacuum systems eliminate the need to haul out that small lawnmower from the overcrowded central closet; once you have central vac, it's difficult to live without. And more and more homeowners are opting for the convenience and practicality of motorized window treatments and even motorized windows.

If you work from home or several people in your house require different extensions, your house should be outfitted with a multiline, multi-extension telephone system. With this system, there's no waiting for a phone line or missing calls because all the lines are in use. You can have several extensions, several voice mail boxes and many more options.

There are two types of residential telephone systems: a key system units (KSUs) or KSU-less systems. KSUs are operated by a central control box that is connected to each of the home's telephones. Any type and make of telephone can be used with these systems. The wiring for a KSU phone system should be put in place when a home is being built, and the system should be installed by a trained professional. KSU-less telephone systems do not have a central control box or special cabling and can be installed by the homeowner.

Telephone systems come in many configurations. Some support three incoming lines and eight extensions, while others might support four incoming lines and 12 extensions. Think about your future needs when selecting a system.

Many systems come with features such as speakerphones, call waiting, hold buttons, intercom and caller ID. Some cordless phone systems can handle two lines and offer numerous handsets that can be used anywhere throughout the house.

If you're planning to have a home control or security system, think about integrating the telephone system into it so a distinctive ring is emitted when someone rings the doorbell or the audio system is muted when a call comes in.

Central Vacuum Systems

Central vacuum systems do more than offer a convenient means of cleaning areas of your home. They help reduce allergies by picking up dust, dirt and pollens that traditional vacuums leave behind. And you don't need to build a new house to have one: Most homes can be retrofitted for a central vacuuming system.

Central vacuum systems are largely distinguished by their filtration methods. Many use bag systems with cloth filters, while others use cyclonic systems to separate larger particles and exhaust the finer ones into the outside air. Still others use a combination of filtration methods.

Be sure to match a central vacuum system with the size and demands of your house. Some systems are designed for homes up to 3,000 square feet in size, while others can serve larger residences. Also look at the number of inlets you will need to maintain the various parts of your home.

The power unit for a central vacuum system is usually located in the garage or basement and has power ratings expressed in water lift, cubic feet per minute (CFM) and air watts. Water lift is a suction rating that refers to the number of inches of water that can be lifted in a column; the larger the number, the greater the suction power.

A convenient feature for areas such as the kitchen is a vac pan. This unit is installed in the baseboard or toe kick under a cabinet, allowing you to sweep up without the hassle of a dustpan. Just sweep the dirt into a pile in front of the vac pan, flip the toe switch and the debris is gone.

Motorized Windows & Window Treatments

Motorized windows can preclude problems associated with leaving the windows open when they should be shut, such as during a rainstorm or when the weather turns too cool or hot. This can help save on energy bills as well. And window motors offer a convenient way to open skylights and other windows that are out of reach. Some motorized window systems can be retrofitted to existing windows.

Another great convenience and a way to control energy costs is the use of motorized window treatments. You can have motors open and close drapes and curtains, roller shades and blinds, awnings and hurricane shutters at the press of a button or for certain set times and conditions. You can darken a room when you're ready to watch a movie or part the curtains dramatically in front of a home theater screen.

Several types of motorized tracks are available for nearly every variety of shade, including drapes, curtains, awnings, Roman and balloon shades, horizontal and vertical blinds, blackout shades, solar shades, skylight shades and others. Controls in-clude switches, radio-frequency remote controls, infrared remote controls and automated controls.

Steven Castle is a Senior Editor and the resident wit of Electronic House magazine. Email Steve at scastle@ehpub.com.

Top Of Page