The Smart Home

Did you ever leave your house on a long trip and wonder if you left anything on? Did you remember to adjust the thermostat or turn off the lights? Would you like to adjust your thermostat just before you get home from a trip?

Smart home devices offer the opportunity to be controlled by computer, tablet, or smartphone. You might be surprised how many devices in a home can be accessed and controlled remotely.

Smart home devices can be purchased online or at a home improvement store. Some full service companies specialize in installing and setting up systems or components for you.

Light switches
Security cameras
TVs
Alarm systems
Thermostats
Kitchen appliances
Outlets
Refrigerators
Door locks

Ovens
Nanny cams
Baby monitors
Toilets
Washers and dryers
Blinds, door locks
Water and gas shutoff valves

Compatible Smart Home Products

Before purchasing any smart device, check to see if it is compatible with your smart home system. If you don't have one, decide if you want to set one up and choose a brand.

Before purchasing a smart switch, verify that the switch box it is going into contains a neutral wire.

If you just want to control a smart switch or other smart device without a smart home system, you can use one that communicates with WiFi or Bluetooth directly without needing a hub.

The Smart Home Hub (Bridge)

A smart home hub communicates with all compatible smart devices. A hub will either be wired to the router/modem, or have built-in WiFi that doesn’t need to be connected to or be placed near a router.

Smart Home Systems Brands

Google Assistant

Amazon Alexa

Leviton Decora Smart Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or just your WiFi connection

Samsung SmartThings Uses SmartThings Hub

Apple HomeKit Turn your iPhone into a universal remote

Philips Hue Uses Hue Bridge

TP-Link WiFi enabled devices and WiFi products, no hub is needed

Bluetooth technology and a unique smartphone app without hub or WiFi

Internet of Things (IoT)

The “Internet of Things” (IoT) goes beyond smart homes. It is anything that is connected to the Internet via wireless. Things include home devices, automobiles, watches, farm animals, heart monitors, industrial machines, vending machines, etc.

Smart Home Security

One very important thing to consider if you want to control devices in your house through a network is security. Each item that can be controlled on a network can be vulnerable to a hack attack.

The most common way an intruder can take control is through the default password on your router. Make sure the default password is changed to a strong password.

If a hacker can access your smart door locks or smart thermostat, they can find out that you are away from home.

Smart Switches