Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Homes

A smart home integrates and automates household appliances, providing you with enhanced control and convenience. These devices typically connect via WiFi, although radio protocols such as ZigBee and Z-Wave are also used. Bluetooth 5 is an emerging technology with potential applications in smart home connectivity.

Internet-connected devices enable features such as:

• Remote control of systems like thermostats from any location
• Automation based on schedules, motion detection, temperature, and other triggers
• Voice control through platforms such as Alexa, Google Home, Siri, and others

The adoption of smart home technology is rapidly increasing. Currently, approximately 32.5% of households utilize some form of smart home device, with projections estimating growth to 60.7% by 2021. While some may question the necessity of connecting basic appliances to the Internet, consider the convenience brought by smart televisions over traditional ones.

Smart homes offer tangible benefits, including energy savings through devices like smart thermostats, enhanced security via connected lighting and surveillance cameras, and potential increases in property resale value. Additionally, for technology enthusiasts, smart home systems provide an engaging and innovative way to enhance your living space.

Start by identifying areas in your home where automation could reduce inconvenience or save energy. For example, if you frequently adjust your thermostat, a smart thermostat may be beneficial. If you often forget to switch off lights, smart bulbs could be the solution. For security concerns, consider investing in smart cameras.

Before purchasing devices, research compatibility to ensure seamless integration within your smart home ecosystem.

Not all smart home products are compatible with each other. Careful planning and research are essential. For instance, Google Home offers excellent compatibility with Nest devices.

Our website provides a free tool, the Smart Home Solver, which helps match your preferences and required devices with compatible, highly rated products, simplifying the process of building your smart home.

Smart home hubs are compact devices that connect to your router and serve as the central control unit for your smart ecosystem. Popular hubs include SmartThings and Wink. These hubs facilitate communication among your devices and allow for integrated automation, such as linking security cameras to lighting systems.

It is important to note that some devices use bridges or base stations, which connect only specific brands to your WiFi and do not provide cross-brand compatibility like hubs.

We suggest starting with an affordable, interoperable device to familiarize yourself with smart home technology. Recommended initial products include:

• Amazon Echo Dot for voice control capabilities
• WeMo Insight or TP-Link smart outlets for automating appliances
• LIFX smart bulbs, which offer voice control and scheduling without requiring a hub

Generally, smart home devices do not require special wiring and function similarly to traditional devices. However, some smart thermostats necessitate a common wire (“C-wire”) for power. Should you prefer to avoid electrical installation, consider thermostats that do not require a C-wire, such as Ecobee3 or Sensi.

The choice depends on personal preference. Alexa offers a wide range of devices and extensive smart home control capabilities. Google Home excels in natural language understanding and responding to queries. Both platforms have strengths and considerations related to privacy and functionality.

To maximize Alexa’s functionality, we recommend exploring lesser-known skills such as commute time updates, phone locating services, audiobook playback, multi-device music synchronization, and inter-device communication features. For convenience, we provide a printable guide featuring the top 100 Alexa skills.

Some devices retain limited offline functionality. For example, Arlo Q cameras store recordings on local SD cards, and certain devices have battery backups. However, many smart home devices require Internet access for app control. It is important to understand these limitations when selecting products.

You may assemble a cost-effective, customized security system using smart devices such as:

• Piper nv indoor camera with built-in siren
• Arlo Pro weatherproof outdoor cameras with rechargeable batteries
• Motion sensors compatible with protocols like Z-Wave or SmartThings
• Access sensors for doors, windows, and garages
• Ring Pro video doorbell providing real-time alerts

Alternatively, comprehensive systems like Scout offer integrated monitoring and control within a single platform.

Some devices or services require monthly subscriptions, while others do not. We advise thorough research and review of product details to understand potential costs. Our Smart Home Solver can filter options based on the presence or absence of monthly fees.

Security begins with strong, unique passwords. Avoid devices with default, easily guessable credentials. Look for products employing security technologies such as AES 128-bit encryption, Transport Layer Security, HTTPS access, and transparent cloud storage policies. Established brands generally offer superior security measures.

Though initial investments may be higher than traditional devices, smart home technology can reduce utility expenses. For example:

• Smart thermostats like Ecobee may reduce energy consumption by approximately 23%
• Smart irrigation systems like Rachio optimize water usage based on weather conditions
• Smart fans such as Haiku coordinate with thermostats to improve airflow efficiently

Over time, these efficiencies can offset the initial cost of the devices.