WHERE TO START WITH SMART HOME INTEGRATION

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN STARTING SMART HOME INTEGRATION

Making your home into a smart home can seem like a daunting task. There are so many different products and options available that it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to get started and make your home more efficient and convenient!

WHAT IS A SMART HOME AND HOW CAN IT MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER?

A smart home is a residence that uses technology to automate tasks from automatically turning on and off a smart plug or smart lighting, saving you time and increasing the energy efficiency of the home, to fully integrated systems that can control every aspect of your home from one central device or smart home hub. Using voice command and a smart home platform you can control your home from anywhere you have an internet connection.

By automating these tasks, you can save time and energy, and have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure. In addition, smart homes often incorporate sustainable features such as solar panels and wind turbines, which can help you save money on your energy bill. So, if you’re looking for ways to make your life easier, a smart home may be the answer.

One of the most important things to consider when turning your home into a smart home is what your needs and wants are. Do you want to be able to control your smart lights and appliances remotely using wi fi? Do you want to be able to monitor your energy usage?

Is your Smart Home System just for in the house or will it extend to your patio and garden? Do you want a full security system with access to security cameras when you are away? Once you have a good idea of what you need, you can start looking at different products that will suit your needs.

WHAT SMART HOME DEVICES DO YOU WANT?

There are many different types of smart home products available on the market. Some of the most popular include thermostats, security cameras, door locks, and smart lighting controls. To find the right product for you, it is important to do your research and read reviews. This way, you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will meet your needs.

You can start small and build your system, adding smart devices as you go or do a full smart home installation with multiple devices, right from the off.

ADDING YOUR SMART DEVICES AS YOU GO

If you want to start small and take your time adding devices to your home, then this is the method for you. Start with one device, such as a smart thermostat, and get used to using it. Once you are familiar with how it works and how it benefits you, then you can add another device. This method is great if you are on a budget as you can spread the cost of your devices over time.

DO A FULL SMART HOME INTEGRATION

If you want to do a full smart home integration, then this is the method for you. This involves installing all of your devices at once. This can be more expensive than adding devices as you go, but it will be worth it in the long run. This method is also great if you want to get the most out of your devices and have them all working together. There are many smart home device manufacturers and some will work better than others with each other and your chosen hub.

This is a particularly good plan if you are at the build or redesign stage of your home when a smart home system can be seamlessly designed into the architecture of the build. Any wiring can be done during the build phase so it is less disruptive to your life and wall speakers and other features can be easily added during the build process.

The advantage of a complete smart home installation is compatibility. Devices can be chosen that are known to work well with each other creating a system that is robust and future-proof.

HOW TO START PLANNING YOUR SMART HOME INTEGRATION

If you’re thinking about outfitting your home with smart technology, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration before getting started. First, you’ll need to decide what type of smart home control system you want to use.

Do you want to use an app on your smartphone or a dedicated smart hub that responds to voice commands like google home’s Google assistant? There are a variety of options on the market, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best meets your needs.

CREATING A COHESIVE SYSTEM

Once you’ve selected a system, you’ll need to start planning for smart home integration. This means figuring out how all of your smart devices will work together to create a cohesive and efficient system. If you take the time to carefully plan your smart home project from the start, you’ll be much more likely to end up with a system that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SMART HOME DEVICES

There are many different types of smart home devices available on the market. Some of the most popular include smart plugs, smart thermostats, security cameras, smart speakers, smart door locks, and smart lighting controls but full smart home integration systems include all of these devices and more.

Using a smart display or voice commands to operate a range of smart home gadgets and utilising the home wi-fi network, a full smart home integration could include:

SECURITY SYSTEMS AND SMART LOCKS

Smart cameras, a video doorbell and a security smart lock on the front door to allow remote allow to the house for deliveries or family and friends arriving at the house.

OTHER SMART DEVICES FOR SECURITY

Smart blinds, smart bulbs and a smart speaker are not only useful aspects of home automation but can also be used to add an extra level to smart home security systems creating the impression that the house is occupied.

SMART SPEAKERS AND MOOD LIGHTING

Smart home technology in the house and the garden to create the perfect ambience where ever you are. Listen to your favourite music as you wander around the house and turn lights on and off in any room, or even in the garden, with just your voice.

HEATING AND COOLING

Program the perfect temperature for every room in the house to be controlled remotely or set to come on at certain times of the day. Geofencing can turn smart lights, heating or any other smart device off when you leave the house and back on again as you approach so that it’s always comfortable when you arrive home.

SMART KITCHEN

A connected fridge that can order groceries when it runs low and an oven that starts cooking dinner when you leave work.

PET CARE

Utilising smart plugs for a pet feeder, water dispenser and a smart thermostat to measure temperature monitor to keep an eye on your furry friend while you’re away

There are numerous smart devices on the market to create a fully smart home integration and give you complete control over every element of your home, whether you’re there or not.

COMPATIBILITY ISSUES WITH SMART HOME DEVICES

One of the biggest issues people face with their smart home devices are compatibility issues. It is important to check your devices will be able to work together. Some smart home hubs favour certain devices, so it is important to check that the devices you want to use are compatible with your chosen system.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

If you’re not sure where to start setting up a smart home, our team of experts can help you figure out which smart home devices are right for you and your home. We’ll work with you to create a customised solution that meets all of your needs and fits your budget. Contact us today to get started.