These days, there are a ton of nifty gadgets that can help you turn your home into a smart home. And while some people might think these devices are just the latest craze, they’ve actually been around for decades! In this blog post, we’ll discuss all of the most popular smart home gadgets and what they have to offer.
In addition to discussing all the different types of smart products that you can find on the market today, we’ll also share 9 tips for getting started with a new gadget. These include things like finding out if your internet service provider offers Internet-connected products and setting up an account for your new device with your Internet service provider.
What is a smart home?
A smart home is a home that employs a number of different technology gadgets that help you control your lighting, heating and cooling systems, security, entertainment and more. You essentially have the ability to program these devices to do whatever you want them to. For example, you can program all of your lights to turn on at certain times or to dim at other times. You can even ask Alexa or Siri to change the temperature in your house!
Why do I need a smart home?
There are a variety of reasons why people choose to make their homes ‘smart’. Some people do it to save energy, while others do it so they can keep an eye on elderly family members. However, you might also want to turn your home into a smart one simply because it’s the latest trend. No matter what your reason is for wanting to build a smart home, there are many cool gadgets that can help you accomplish your goal.
What are the different types of gadgets that make up a smart home?
There are all sorts of different gadgets out there that can make your home ‘smart’. Here are just some of the products available:
- Smart thermostat – Smart thermostats allow you to control your heating and cooling systems from anywhere. You can even program the thermostat to change the temperature on a schedule, so you won’t have to worry about manually adjusting these systems.
- Smart doorbell – Smart doorbells allow you to see and speak with whoever is at your door from anywhere. These gadgets also include motion sensors that can alert you if someone is at your home while you aren’t there.
- Smart security system – Smart security systems use a variety of sensors and cameras to detect burglars, fires and other threats. With some systems, you also have the ability to arm and disarm the alarm from anywhere – which is super convenient! You can even be notified by text or email if a sensor is triggered.
- Smart light bulbs – Smart light bulbs can be controlled by your smartphone or computer, which is awesome. You can automate the lights to turn on at specific times of the day, so it seems like you’re home even when you aren’t.
- Smart thermostat – Smart thermostats allow you to control your heating and cooling systems from anywhere. You can even program the thermostat to change the temperature on a schedule, so you won’t have to worry about manually adjusting these systems.
- Smart doorbell – Smart doorbells allow you to see and speak with whoever is at your door from anywhere. These gadgets also include motion sensors that can alert you if someone is at your home while you aren’t there.
Smart security system – Smart security systems use a variety of sensors and cameras to detect burglars, fires and other threats. With some systems, you also have the ability to arm and disarm the alarm from anywhere – which is super convenient! You can even be notified by text or email if a sensor is triggered.
These are just a few of the coolest gadgets that you can use to give your home a smart makeover! In order to get started with these products, however, you’ll need to understand a few things first. So let’s talk about how devices work – and what you need – in order for them to work well with one another.
How do devices work?
The first thing that you need to understand is that these devices will all connect to the same Wi-Fi network. You also don’t want any of your smart products to interfere with your actual internet connection. To prevent this, make sure you check with your Internet service provider before making any purchase decisions. Your ISP will let you know if there are certain models or types of these products that won’t interfere with your WiFi at home.
Once you’ve confirmed that your WiFi connection is compatible, you need to make sure that your phone can connect to the products. In order to do this, it’s important to make sure that all of your devices are using the same app. This will prevent any confusion while setting them up. Additionally, you should make sure your phone is already connected to the internet before starting the setup process.
You’ll also want to be sure and check and see if there’s a smartphone or tablet app for the specific device that you’re getting. For example, if you’re setting up a smart doorbell, check and see if there’s an app for both iPhone and Android available. If not, you’ll have to select an app on your phone.
How do you get started with a new device?
After you’ve found the right product for your needs, it’s time to get started! You’ll want to read the directions that come with the product. These are usually pretty simple and easy to follow. However, it’s important that you set up your smart gadgets in advance of when you’re going to use them. This will allow everything to be working properly before you even have it turn on. Here’s what some of the most popular products recommend:
- Alexa (Amazon Echo) – Amazon recommends setting up your Amazon Echo through an Amazon account within 30 minutes of opening the box. This is especially important if you don’t plan on using Alexa’s voice recognition while your other devices aren’t already connected.
- Google Home – Google Home connects using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You’ll need to make sure that your phone and smart gadgets are connected to the same Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks before starting the setup process, however.
- Rachio (Rain Bird) – Rachio recommends that you simply follow the device’s instructions for setting up within 24 hours of unpacking it. There are no specific time limits for this process, but it will be faster if you get started right away.
- ecobee3 – ecobee3 recommends connecting and setting up the thermostat within one hour of unpacking it. This includes having to register and connect with your home Wi-Fi.
- Lutron Caseta Wireless Lighting Starter Kit – The Lutron Caseta says that you can set up your smart lights in less than one hour after opening the box. It also recommends that you run all of your wires before starting the initial setup process to see if you need an extension kit or extra wires.
- Honeywell Lyric T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat – The Honeywell Lyric says that you can start setting up your thermostat after unpacking it and registering your account. The setup process typically takes 15 minutes or less to complete!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you have any questions about how your devices work, don’t hesitate to call customer support for the company. This is especially important if you have any technical questions about your smart devices being able to talk to one another. Most manufacturers will have a toll-free number that you can call for assistance regarding the set up process.