A smart home is a home outfitted with devices that can be controlled over an internet connection on one’s desktop, tablet, or smartphone. These connected devices can be appliances, lights, security systems, cameras, audio and video systems, televisions, thermostats, and even sprinklers. Generally speaking, if your home has devices that connect to each other and [...]
Home automation technology hasn’t gone mainstream for several reasons, but the main issues boil down into six categories: accessibility, affordability, security, privacy, reliability, and upkeep.
A smart thermostat is responsible for controlling your home’s temperature. As with many smart devices, smart thermostats connect to your home network, giving you remote access and control over all the device’s functions. These smart devices differ slightly from their programmable counterparts. The latter can merely be set to turn on or off at select [...]
Yes, all Z-Wave devices are compatible. You can buy Z-Wave products from any manufacturer and be confident that they will work with other Z-Wave smart home gadgets. The Z-Wave Alliance undergirds device interoperability, and the organization holds a vested interest in making Z-Wave the de facto standard in home automation.
The primary operating standards for home automation technology are these four: Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). However, they aren’t the only ones you’ll come across as you create your smart home. Other standards, or protocols, include X10, Insteon, Thread, and Universal Powerline Bus (UPB).
The benefits of home automation typically fall into a few categories, including savings, safety, convenience, and control. Additionally, some consumers purchase home automation for comfort and peace of mind.
Most home automation systems require neutral wires to be installed at switch outlets. Even if your home doesn’t have proper wiring, though, you may be able to set up a smart system that runs on batteries.
The most common smart home connected devices fall into four categories: lighting, climate control, entertainment, and security. 1. Smart Lighting Smart lightbulbs and related accessories tend to be fairly easy to install and use. They also offer advantages such as timers, schedulers, and motion-sensing capabilities. 2. Smart Thermostats Thermostats are also commonly automated, as attested [...]
At the most basic level, home automation systems are made up of three elements: a smart device, a hub, and a connected application. While some smart systems work with just two of those above elements—a single device that works directly with an app or a hands-free hub that controls smart gadgets—most systems work through all [...]
Smart homes are affordable—as long as you set a budget before venturing into the world of home automation. As a general rule, the home automation cost for a simpler setup will be substantially less than a complex setup. Not all smart homes are the same. Some include automation for nearly every electronic device, while others [...]