How to start automating your home
Smart homes are becoming more popular than ever before and you may be thinking about jumping on the bandwagon or wondering exactly what a smart home is. A smart home uses technology to control and automate different aspects of your home. This is most commonly done through apps on your phone or on a smart device, and can many times be accessed through voice commands. Smart homes have many advantages such as convenience, security and energy efficiency. If you’re ready to get started on making your own home smart, read our tips below.
Choosing your first smart device
First things first, smart devices can be pricey. We suggest starting off with one or two and building on from there. Some things to consider are:
- Setup – Start off with easier devices such as a smart doorbell or lightbulbs. Devices such as smart thermostats can be more complex.
- Cost – Smart devices range in prices, once you set a budget, you can begin looking at the other factors.
- Research – Always read reviews and buyers guides. You can also ask neighbors or family members. Remember that what may work for others, may not work for your family’s lifestyle so be sure to form your own opinion.
starter devices
Below we’ll highlight some of our favorite starter devices and give short comparisons between products.
- Smart light bulb – These are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to begin automating your home. The Phillips Hue Smart Bulbs are a great start. You can either choose the classic white for about $13 or upgrade to multicolor. These bulbs are extremely easy to use via apps or voice command.
- Video Doorbell – These devices are basically security cameras for your front entrance. They allow you to see and even speak with anyone who approaches your front door without having to open it! Our suggestion would be the Ring Doorbell for $100. This is on the lower end of video doorbells and has a pretty easy set up.
- Smart plugs – These plugs can turn virtually any device into a smart device. They are some of the most budget-friendly and easy to use as well. You can use an app to schedule timers for devices and schedule lights. We suggest the Wemo Mini for about $23. It even features an away mode that mimics someone being home while you’re on vacation.
- Smart speaker – Along with the smart light bulb, this is another easy way to begin automating your home. They work with voice commands making activities such as playing music, setting clocks and controlling other smart devices incredibly easy. We suggest the Amazon Echo Dot for about $45. This is one of the most affordable speakers on the market and works with the Alexa smart home platform.
Choosing a smart home platform
Sometimes the hardest part about automating your home can be choosing which platform to use. If you’re able to, use a single platform which will allow your devices to sync and you can control them in one place. This can mostly be done through apps on your phone or digital assistants like Siri or Alexa.
bottom line
There are so many options for automating your home and getting started on the smart life. Smart devices can help you save energy, time and provide convenience. Plus, if you’re looking to sell in the near future, home automation is also a huge selling point for buyers looking for the best features and latest technology!
This was so helpful because I wouldn’t know where to start honestly
It can be overwhelming but we are happy that we could help! Thank you for reading.
My house is half automated..Starting from smart plug to turn on off light with Alexa. Night light turns on n off automatically. Setting up reminders. Grocery list automated. Tv and Bose controlled by Alexa. We are liking it so far.
They definitely make life easier! Thank you for reading.
I’ve really been thinking about alot of these options. Thanks so much for the info. It’s nice to know that it’s also a huge selling point when you are looking to sell!
Definitely a huge selling point! Thank you for reading.
Never knew about the Smart plugs! Something I will look into. Thank you!
Thank you for reading! Hope the smart plugs help you in your home.
This definitely makes it easier to make a decision about what works for each individual with all the new technology.
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