Smart homes are getting smarter, more efficient and more convenient to use every year. But setting up your smart home can be both exciting and a little confusing due to the availability and wide spectrum of single devices and whole-home smart systems. To think that all of this connectivity and convenience is available at the touch of a finger, from just about anywhere, through our phone can be a little intimidating.
There are now hundreds of options available that allow you to control your devices remotely—lighting, temperature, security cameras, locking and unlocking our doors and more. However, integrating all of these options and devices so they function seamlessly can be challenging and tricky. And unfortunately, no one system handles everything perfectly for every home. This is where the experience and expertise of a professional can be very helpful. A pro can offer advice that will help you decide which functionality you really need and what’s overkill.
Get Good WIFI
For your smart devices to communicate and function effectively across your home network, you’ll need a strong, consistent WIFI signal. A wireless router sends the WIFI signal to your various Bluetooth enabled devices within your home network allowing us to connect and communicate with these devices. So, if the router is in an area of your home that doesn’t have a strong signal, it could cause connectivity issues. Use your phone to identify the areas in your home where the WIFI signal is strongest and weakest.
Get A Smart Hub
The smart hub serves as the dashboard for your smart home system. While some devices can be operated from your phone, a dedicated smart home module that controls all the systems in your home is a better, more reliable option. Using a smart hub instead of your phone will help avoid issues that might occur when you have to update or replace your phone. A smart hub will still allow you to access and control smart devices remotely using your phone, it just provides a more stable point of connectivity. As with smart home devices, there are also a lot of choices when it comes to figuring out which smart hub system works best for your needs. It’s a good idea to consult with a professional about the different systems features and benefits to determine which one will work to meet your specific needs.
Determine What Features You Want
A smart hub system can control many important functions, and it’s important to decide which functions you want.
Smart Home Security:
- Smart home security systems today offer high-quality video, and smart locks that let you control locking and unlocking from just about anywhere using your phone. Most also include a keypad for keyless entry with a phone.
- Camera doorbells are also hugely popular, and for good reason. They’re simple and they work! When someone is at your door, you’ll get an alert almost instantly. Some devices also offer two-way audio so you can speak with the person at the door.
- Camera systems today are relatively inexpensive, but still offer high-quality video using Bluetooth or WIFI to connect with your smart home system. This means you can see what’s happening in and around your home even while we’re away.
Learn More About Smart Home Security Here.
Smart Home Lighting
Controlling lighting remotely is a useful function that can help save energy and add a level of security. Controlling when lights turn on and off remotely when you’re away can convince potential intruders you’re home, even when you’re not. You can also set the system to turn lights off when no one is in a room, which saves energy.
Learn More About Smart Home Energy Savings Here.
Smart Home Climate Control
Smart thermostats were cutting edge a few years ago, but they are capable of so much more now. Your smart home hub or phone can control your heating, cooling, and ventilation in real time. You can set programs for use, and even be notified when someone enters a room to turn your system on or off.
More Options
We've all experienced the panic of rushing out of the house in the morning only to think, “Did I leave the coffee maker or some other appliance on?”. It’s a feeling that has caused many of us to turn around and head right back home to check. Well, those days are gone. Now you can control just about any electrical outlet remotely with your phone. You can even control your sprinkler system using sensors and weather data—which can reduce watering by up to 50 percent!
Many carbon monoxide and smoke detectors today also use smart technology. These devices can be monitored remotely and provide you with alerts when you’re not at home. Hiring a trained professional like Mr. Electric to install these smart home devices will ensure they are properly wired and connected to your smart home hub.
Getting Smarter About Smart Home Tech
Smart home technology has advanced a great deal over the last few years. As these devices continue to get smarter, we have to get smarter about how we use them in our home. Setting up a smart home can certainly make our life easier by providing a more convenient way to manage and operate our everyday devices. However, setting up the foundation of our smart home system can be challenging.
If you have any questions about your smart home setup a local professional like Mr. Electric can help. We’ll help with your smart home installation, and other safety features—like installing a whole-home surge protector—to safeguard your smart home system.
A smart home isn’t just a thing of the future anymore. It’s a reality. When it comes to setting up your smart home, let Mr. Electric know how we can help.
