If you like the idea of adding smart technology to your home, but are worried about complications or expense, you’re in luck. All you need is a smart phone and high-speed internet and you can easily add “smart technology” such as thermostats, smoke detectors, garage door controls, home security cameras, doorbells and locks to your home. The good news is that a lot of this kind of tech can be installed quickly and easily by the homeowner and without spending a lot of money.
Ready to get started? Here are a few ideas for smart home-tech upgrades that are easy to DIY.
Tech you can talk to
Devices such as Alexa, Google Home, Amazon Echo or Apple HomePod can be installed easily and connected to multiple devices (such as the ones we mention below). You can then activate and control using voice commands.
Kitchen, bathroom and home appliances
Many of the devices you use around you home and take for granted are transforming into smart devices that can be programed, activated by touch, or controlled by voice control. This includes items such as smart faucets, fans, window coverings, mirrors and even smart toilets (yes, toilets!) Don’t forget smart devices that help clean your home such as the Roomba, which can also be connected to voice systems and phone apps to be controlled from anywhere.
Smart thermostat
No more taking a trip to the hallway every time you need to adjust the heat or air conditioning. Smart thermostats can be paired with apps on phones that allow you to program and control your heat and air from the couch or from the next town. Just think, next time you take a summer vacation and dread coming home to a scorching house, you can turn on the A/C before you arrive home so it’s nice and fresh when you walk in the door.
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
A lot of smart devices offer safety and peace of mind for homeowners, such as smart smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. Popular and inexpensive ones are offered by Nest Protect, Kidde and First Alert. These detectors send alerts to your phone if they detect smoke and can even tell you when the battery is running low to avoid middle of the night sessions trying to figure out which one is beeping.
Home security
Devices such as the Ring, also add security to homes by putting a camera right at the front door. When it detects motion, or someone presses the doorbell, it sends an alert to an app on your smartphone and saves a video clip of the activity to the cloud. Many models can connect wirelessly to allow homeowners to talk to the person at the door through the speaker no matter where they are. Most models can be had for under $200 and can be installed by homeowners without hiring an electrician.
Smart locks are another way to boost the security of your front door (or any door for that matter). Functionality includes remote auto-lock and unlock and the ability to monitor door activity from anywhere. You can also create temporary guest passes for handymen or visiting friends and family.
Smart garage doors
It’s a good bet that everyone reading this has experienced that moment of leaving your home, driving down the street, and then thinking to yourself, “Did I remember to close the garage door?” Smart garage door controls can answer that question with the tap of an app, much easier than driving all the way back home again.
Creating a smart home is easier and less expensive than many people think. The best place to start is making sure that your internet access is ready to support the new technology you’ll be adding soon. If you have questions about using smart technology in your home and how Softcom high-speed wireless internet can support that, please give us a call. We’ll make sure you have the right access to keep your new smart systems running smoothly.