More people than ever before are using smart home devices to control some of the basic functions of their home. Which specific device you use is really up to you—there are plenty of options available these days. But if you’re a beginner to the technology, you might be wondering how it works, what types of devices you can control and how you can get set up with the technology.
Here’s some information from our residential electrical contractors in Alexandria, VA about getting prepared to set up your smart home technology.
Taking control
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to look for smart home devices that give you the widest range of compatibility so you can easily build up the functionality of your home without having to worry about whether or not you’ll have an issue finding compatible items in the future. Here are just a few examples of some of the most basic features you can control with your smart home technology:
- Lights: Smart bulbs allow you to control individual lights or groups of lights in your home, as well as their brightness levels and color temperatures. You can set them to automatically turn on or off based on certain triggers. You don’t necessarily have to use smart bulbs, though—you can instead use smart switches to control the lights you already have set up in your house.
- Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats have exploded in popularity in recent years, as they give people a way to control their heating and cooling without having to get up and walk to their thermostat. As long as you have an internet connection, you can control your heating and cooling from your phone. You could, for example, set your air conditioning to turn on right as you’re leaving work so it’s ready for you when you get home.
- Security systems: You can build security systems into your smart home functionality. This includes cameras, door sensors, emergency sirens and much more. These features help you more effectively monitor your home and be aware of issues such as break-ins or trespassers.
- TVs: You can connect your home theater setup to your smart home functionality, allowing you to control multiple devices at once with a smart remote and enabling you to integrate it with other systems that you’ve already connected.
- More: There is a near-limitless number of possibilities for your smart home system. You can control sprinkler systems, appliances and just about anything you’d plug into a wall outlet by using smart outlets. All of this can be paired with smart home systems that allow for both voice and phone control.
The hub you select is really up to you—some people have preferences based on brand loyalty, while others simply go with whatever’s on sale. But most of the hubs you’ll find today are highly compatible with smart devices and support numerous protocols. You just want to make sure that whatever hub you select gives you room to grow your network of smart devices.
For more information about setting up your smart home technology, contact Walsh Electric today to speak with our residential electrical contractors in Alexandria, VA.