Tell me, why would you want to create a smart home? To make it more secure by installing smart cameras and sensors? To have a personal assistant like Alexa that you can control with your voice? Or install smart thermostats to make your house energy efficient?
Regardless of the main purpose, I believe the end goal of every smart homeowner is to have a better lifestyle, right?
Achieving this goal may not be as easy as it seems, as most people don’t know where to start, and there are a few factors every smart homeowner should watch out for.
Being a smart homeowner, my smart home journey wasn’t an easy one. It’s because I made a few significant mistakes no one warned me about. But below, I’m going to share a few considerable factors you should really look out for, especially if you want to improve your lifestyle with smart home gadgets.
Be Mindful of Your Smart Home Needs
I believe it is vital to create a strategy before you purchase any smart home device. Though people may have different or no strategies at all, my approach is to ask myself several questions before purchasing any smart home device.
These are:
- How does this smart home device bring ease and comfort to my life?
- Does the device I’m buying fit well into my existing smart home ecosystem?
- How much am I willing to spend on it?
- What additional factors do I need to keep in mind before installing it?
The first question helps me understand how important a smart device is for my home. Previously, I had spent hundreds of dollars on gimmicky devices that were of little use to me. However, once I decided to ask this question before making a purchase, I saved a lot of money on smart devices that had a minimal impact on my lifestyle.
Secondly, I ensure that the gadget I’m buying fits well with the existing smart ecosystem at my home. It’s because if smart home devices are not compatible with each other, then they may not offer all the features you need. That said, I will explain more about why it’s important to consider the smart home ecosystem later in this article.
Based on the answers to the previous questions, I determine how much I should spend on a single device. Fortunately, as smart home devices have become common now, finding devices that are well within my budget isn’t a problem anymore.
Lastly, I always keep in mind the prerequisites of installing a new smart home device. Though there are multiple factors you should watch out for, I always ensure my internet can handle all the devices, which I will discuss in the next heading.
Make Sure Your Internet Is Up for The Task
It’s vital to understand that most smart home devices require an active internet connection. And, as you add more and more smart home devices on the same network, on top of your regular internet usage, your connection’s bandwidth gets thinner.
Consequently, when the limited internet bandwidth is divided among different devices and tasks, they may not respond promptly.
I realized this when my smart assistant and a few newly added smart devices took more time to respond to my queries. It’s because my internet connection wasn’t able to keep up with my house’s bandwidth requirements.
However, this issue was resolved when I subscribed to one of the high-speed Spectrum Internet Plans. Their high-tier plans come with a WiFi 7 router, which is perfect for smart homes with a lot of devices. So, as you upgrade your lifestyle with smart home devices, don’t neglect your internet connection, as it is crucial for a seamless experience.
Stick to an Ecosystem
Remember how I mentioned the smart home ecosystem above? Here, I will explain why it’s one of the most important aspects to keep in mind when creating a smart home.
In a smart home ecosystem, your gadgets are fully integrated. For instance, thermostats, smart locks, cameras, or other smart home devices work seamlessly and can be controlled via a voice assistant.
At the beginning of my smart home journey, I did not realize how important a smart home ecosystem was. However, I once bought a thermostat that was not compatible with the rest of my smart devices, I had to control it via my smartphone, which was a less-than-ideal experience.
So, when you decide to create a smart home, stick to a specific brand. Here, I’d suggest you always check out the device’s compatibility with other voice assistants and devices. This way, you can create a seamless ecosystem where every smart device is connected.
Installation of Smart Home Devices
When you buy a smart home device, there are two ways to install it: The first is to do it yourself, and the second is to get a professional’s help.
Although I’m a big fan of DIY as it is the cheaper way, installing complex smart devices such as sensors or security cameras can become a bit tricky simply because these devices may require technical expertise. However, DIY may be the best choice for easy-to-install smart gadgets such as smart assistants.
On the flip side, getting professional help may indeed be costly, but it may save you from trouble in the long term.
For instance, a professional may comprehensively install a complex smart gadget that you may otherwise fail to install properly. In such cases, smart home devices may not work efficiently or malfunction over time.
So, I believe it’s best to go for professional help when you don’t have the technical knowledge. And when you do, DIY installation is the best way to save a few bucks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I control smart home gadgets remotely?
Yes, you may control smart home gadgets remotely via the smart hub or the devices’ apps. Some devices can be integrated into the ecosystem, allowing you to control them using Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa.
Is it expensive to create a smart home?
Smart home devices are available in different price brackets – from high-end to affordable ones. So, you can easily find smart home devices within your budget.
Are smart voice assistants necessary in a smart home?
No, smart voice assistants are not necessary, but they offer a lot of comfort as they allow you to control all the smart home devices via voice.
