How to Set up a Smart Home
December 11, 2023
Whether you own or rent your own home, you’ve just moved into a new place, or you’d love to remodel the new space, the attraction of having a smart home is strong. Who doesn’t love the idea of controlling the devices in your life, all at the touch of an app or a smart device?
With the power to turn up your thermostat or start a load of laundry or make a cup of coffee, making technology work for you sounds awfully appealing.
But what is the best way to get started? We’ve got answers galore stored up for you in this beginner’s guide.
The good news is, you don’t have to do everything all at once. But the better news is, you absolutely could, if that’s something you wanted to do!
The Speak-Easy
The use of a smart speaker is one of the simplest ways to start incorporating more technology into your home devices. A few to try include Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and the Google Assistant. Right now, Amazon has the most choices on the market with a variety of Echo speakers. Google offers the Nest Hub Display with Google Assistant. Having a hub means you can not only hear, but also see your devices and better track your usage. Like the Nest Hub, the Echo Show offers a visual display within your fingertips.
Additional options include the HomePod Mini (from Apple) and the Sonos SmartGen speaker, plus the Bose Smart speaker, Smart sound bar, and the portable Smart Speaker. (Worth noting — third-party speakers can add Alexa and Google Assistant, but Siri is only available on the HomePod.)
All Plugged In
Another easy way to start building up your smart home is through simple smart plugs. With just a smart phone and an app, you can control such ordinary devices as a coffee maker, lamp, or a fan. Start by plugging them into any wall outlet and add an app: now you’ve got a “smart device” that’s controlled by your phone. This could make for an easy way to walk into a room and turn on the lights or turn off the TV from another floor.
The Heat is On
By changing to a smart thermostat, you can control the heating and air conditioning temperatures, automate the schedule, and set reminders to help you do things such as change a filter. Certain systems also use remote room sensors to keep the heating and cooling uniform throughout the house or condo.
Feeling Secure
Other smart home options to try might include adjusting your security system and home locks. This could be an easy DIY system that lets your self-monitor your home, or a full-service package with motion sensors, door sensors, and a siren if an alarm goes off.
Exercising Your Options
Beyond the home interior, other places to upgrade to a smart home system include your garage doors, outdoor sprinkler system, and the smart grill to bring your summertime cooking to a whole new level.
Whatever you create, try to remember that smart home systems aren’t flawless, and they could take a bit of trial and error to determine what works best for you.
At Beltmann, we’re always available to help with any upcoming moving and storage needs, whether that’s a local move, across town, or across the country via a full interstate relocation. Contact us for a free contactless quote, and we’d be happy to help walk you through the process.
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