Your Ultimate Smart Home Device Guide

A smart home device allows you to control certain parts of your apartment remotely. As long as you have an internet connection (or data access, depending on the device), you can keep track of what’s going on in your apartment and make sure you return to a home that’s just the way you want it. 

Imagine a hot, sweltering day, for example. Think about all the heat that built up while you kept off your air conditioning. That time between when you crank the AC to its maximum and actually feel cool enough can make even the most patient of people a bit anxious to cool down. With a smart thermostat or a smart plug connected to an AC unit, you can turn on your AC before you walk in the door, so you can walk into a pleasantly-cool home.

What other smart devices are available? Here are the main categories of smart home devices and why you might want to consider setting them up in your apartment.

Thermostats

With a smart home thermostat, you can get the AC cranking again before you get home from that long day out. A smart home thermostat can also set a schedule for when, and how for long, your heat or AC runs at certain temperatures. You can also manually tinker with your temperature settings while you’re at home, and as you do so, your thermostat will remember your preferences and auto-adjust to meet them. Best of all, these thermostats can cut back your energy use — and, therefore, costs.

Home security

A smart home security system can give you access to your home even when you’re away. With the right cameras, motion sensors, and alarms, you can see what’s happening in and around your house in real time, all while thwarting intruders. You can even turn your alarms and other security devices on and off remotely! Consider supplementing your smart home security system with smart cameras as well.

Lighting

With smart home light switches and bulbs, you can control the ambiance of your room far more strongly than traditional dimmers allow. Smart bulbs can theoretically display light of any color and brightness, and you can turn them on or off from your phone, meaning you don’t even have to get out of bed. And if you have a voice assistant, you don’t even need your phone to control your lighting. Speaking of which…

Voice assistants

Voice assistants let you control your home hands-free. Simply speak to your voice assistant to find out the day’s weather forecast, run a quick internet search, put on your favorite song, and activate your other smart home devices. Most smartphones have built-in voice assistants, too, meaning that most people are already experienced with them, so buying a voice assistant can prove a great gateway toward investing in more smart home devices.

Doorbells

When your doorbell rings, do you wonder who’s there and feel a sense of urgency to see for yourself? A smart doorbell turns your old-school doorbell into a modern mix of an intercom and a security camera. With a smart doorbell, you can see who’s at your door with real-time video and talk to them with real-time audio. 

Smart plugs

You know that on/off switch on most power strips? A smart plug is to a power strip as your phone is to that on/off switch. Smart plugs can control when certain devices in your home are on or off, thereby saving you electric bills and preventing you from accidentally leaving on that iron or hair dryer. Some say that smart plugs are the first step toward implementing a thorough smart home system, so if you’re new to the world of smart devices, smart plugs would be the first place to start.

So how do I properly set up a smart home system?

As you buy smart home devices, make sure they’re compatible with your home’s existent devices. Be certain that all your smart home device purchases are compatible with one another, such as the right smartphone operating system. Follow each device’s installation’s setup instructions carefully, and download all the apps you’ll need to control your devices. Before long, you’ll be able to control your home from wherever you are, giving you not just ultimate customizability, but peace of mind.