Published July 3rd, 2024
Written by Level Home Staff
Sarah is the SEO Content Strategist at Level Home, specializing in managing and implementing data-driven SEO strategies. With over four years of experience working from home full-time, she has honed her skills in remote team collaboration, productivity, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In her free time, Sarah enjoys training her two rescue dogs. As a dedicated pet parent, she appreciates how smart home technology enhances her daily life by providing convenience, security, and peace of mind.
What is a smart home?
You’ve probably been hearing a lot about smart devices on sale for Prime Day and other big sale events this summer, but if you’re like me, you want to do a bit of research before actually buying any smart home tech. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article we’ll explore:
Smart home definition
A smart home is a residence equipped with a variety of interconnected devices and systems that can be controlled remotely or automatically to enhance convenience, security, energy efficiency, and overall quality of life. These devices often use bluetooth or internet connectivity to communicate with each other, though other connectivity options, like Matter, are becoming more prevalent. Smart home devices can typically be managed via smartphones and watches, tablets, and/or voice assistants.
How do smart homes work?
While each smart home system and device operate uniquely to the manufacturer’s design and specifications, generally speaking, they function similarly. As we mentioned, smart homes work by using interconnected devices that communicate via various channels like WiFi, for example, and are often controlled through centralized systems such as smartphone apps, voice assistants, or hub devices like Apple TV 4K. Smart home devices can be set to follow specific schedules or respond to voice commands from a device like an Amazon Alexa, usually they can do both.
The unrivaled convenience of smart home technology comes from the ability to automate and schedule the devices to perform tasks based on routines, time, sensor data, user location, and more. One example of this would be robot vacuums – imagine scheduling your vacuum to run automatically while you’re at work every day, so you always come home to clean floors and have one less thing on your plate to worry about.
An example of interconnected smart home devices could be setting a wakeup routine to help you through your early mornings; you can schedule a smart speaker to wake you up at 5:00am by playing your favorite song and then automatically transition to tell you about the weather and traffic on your commute, simultaneously your smart lightbulbs will turn on and gradually get brighter to simulate a sunrise, and your coffee pot will begin grinding beans to brew you a fresh cup for the road. All of this and more is possible with smart home devices.
See how smart home technology and routines benefit families during the back-to-school season.
Smart home features
Smart homes typically include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following:
Voice control
Security and alarm systems
Thermostat control
Appliance control and monitoring
Smart lights and door lock systems
How do I turn my home into a smart home?
By carefully planning, selecting the right devices, and utilizing automation, you can transform your home into an efficient, convenient, and secure smart home. Start by identifying your needs and areas of frustration that could be solved with smart technology. Begin by considering what aspects of your home life you want to enhance, such as security, energy efficiency, or convenience.
Common starting points for people looking to dip their toes into smart home systems include smart lighting, thermostats, and smart locks. Once you know what devices you want to incorporate, do some research on the different available models and manufacturers. Remember to select devices that work well together, preferably those that support common communication protocols like Wi-Fi, Matter, Zigbee, or Z-Wave. Investing in a smart hub or central control system, such as Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, can help integrate and manage multiple devices from different manufacturers.
Once you have purchased your devices, it’s time for installation and setup. Many smart home devices are designed for easy installation, often requiring only a smartphone app for configuration. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect each device to your home network and control system. After setup, take advantage of automation features to create routines and schedules that suit your lifestyle. Remember to regularly update your devices and software to ensure optimal performance and security.
Read more: Learn how to create a kid-friendly smart home.
Pros and cons of smart houses
Smart home tech and automation have many benefits, but a few drawbacks to keep in mind too.
Pros
Convenience
Energy efficiency
Security and peace of mind
Accessibility
Cons
Potential learning curve
Initial costs
How expensive is it to have a smart home?
The cost of a smart home depends on many factors, including the extent of automation, the quality of devices, and the level of integration desired. If you choose to have your smart home devices set up by professionals, that could add to the cost as well. Additionally, the cost can drastically differ if you purchase smart devices that require a subscription plan or decide to pay for additional services like home monitoring with a security system.
What smart home devices are available?
A wide range of smart home devices are available, catering to various aspects of home automation, security, entertainment, and energy management. Here are some common categories and examples of devices within each category:
- Smart Lighting
Smart Bulbs
Smart Light Switches
Smart Light Strips
- Smart Security
Smart Security Cameras
Smart Doorbells
Smart Alarm Systems
Smart Plugs and Outlets
Smart Power Strips
- Smart Hubs and Controllers
Smart Hubs
Smart Remotes
Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants
Smart Displays
- Smart Appliances
Smart Refrigerators
Smart Washing Machines
Smart Ovens and Microwaves
- Smart Home Entertainment
Smart TVs
Streaming Devices
Smart Sound Systems
- Smart Home Climate Control
Smart Air Conditioners
Smart Air Purifiers
Smart Fans
Smart Thermostats
- Smart Health and Fitness
Smart Scales
Smart Blood Pressure Monitors
- Smart Home Cleaning
Robot Vacuums
Robot Mops
- Smart Garden and Outdoor
Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Smart Outdoor Lighting
- Smart Home Energy Management
Smart Meters
Smart Solar Panels
By choosing the right combination of these devices, you can customize and enhance your home's functionality, security, and convenience to best suit your specific needs and preferences. If you're not quite ready to fully invest in a smart home, check out these 5 easy smart home upgrades you can do yourself.
