Getting started with Smart Homes
An increasing trend among homeowners is SMART Home connectivity, home assistants, and automation. It’s the little things that makes a big difference!
SMART HOME DEVICES OFFER:
• Convenience
• Security
• Safety
• Efficiency / Cost Savings
• A cool factor!
Getting started can be confusing and overwhelming especially if you want to do everything but a few simple gateway options I started with were the google home assistant and a new Honeywell thermostat. Just like that Google or Siri can increase or decrease the temperature by a simple voice command or the app on your phone at home or away.
Depending on your drivers for connectivity and automation you can adopt technology in the form of light switches, light bulbs, doorbells, garage openers, door locks, window coverings, security cameras, smart plugs – the options are endless if you want to turn something on, off, adjust, or monitor, there’s likely an option available for you!
Some of my favourite applications of the tech include:
• Safety - TP Link Smart Plug is easy to use and install. I use mine as a safety net because I have left my hair straightener on in the past. Now I can simply log onto my app after I have left the house and check if the power is off. If not, I can power off the plug, providing me with peace of mind. The TP Link Smart Plug can also be programmed to turn on and off automatically at certain times and therefore perfect for Christmas lights, lamps, etc.
• Security – The Nest Doorbell notifies me when someone is at the door whether I am home or not. I am alerted when packages are left at my door and there is a video recording of the delivery. Depending on what SMART Doorbell you choose you can also talk to who is at your door even if you aren’t home.
• Convenience – With a simple “hey google, set a 15-minute timer” I have effortless support when I’m cooking, or “hey google, what’s the daily forecast?” to help select my outfit for the day, or simply answer random questions I wonder about. Google integrates with my other home apps such as Honeywell thermostat, Lutron lights and my Harmony remote to change channels or adjusting the volume on the TV.
• Efficiency or potential cost savings – Scenes or automations can be programmed to fit your home and lifestyle. For example, my house faces South and our air conditioner runs continuously on sunny days so we programmed an automation. If the temperature outside is greater than 26 degrees Celsius; then the window coverings on south facing windows will close. This helps keep the house cooler without making the air conditioner work so hard.
The opportunities are endless, and more devices are continually being manufactured with SMART options from thermostats to appliances to satisfy needs and increase the cool factor! Homeowners appreciate a home that is already connected but it is relatively easy to do and can be done a little at a time.
RECOMMENDATION:
• Select a home assistant such as the Google Home Mini and just get started with voice commands
• Start small, ask yourself where you would like to apply the tech - safety, security, or convenience, pick a compatible device, download the app and install today!
New to home connectivity and unsure where to start? Check out a getting started video by Tech with Brett: https://youtu.be/jyMC_HAIzpg.
