How To Make Your Home Smarter

F rom outer security systems to inner controls, smart homes provide you with the exact refurbishment you require in this tech era. So what are we waiting for?

Let’s waste no time and make your home smarter!

1. Choose Your Assistant

Are you a fan of Tony Stark’s JARVIS technology? Well, then you should kickstart with a personal smart assistant. These virtual voice-controlled products allow you to command changes in your smart home settings and appliances and are capable of informing you of any unusual happening in your home. 

Amazon’s Alexa is a good option being compatible with multiple smart home items. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more secure network, Apple’s Siri would be a treat. Nevertheless, Google’s Assistant is generally smarter than Alexa and Siri, having a brain powered by Google's search engine.  

2. Make Your Door Locks Smart

Turning your house à la mode, you must make sure that your latest high-tech products are out of the reach of burglars. Another high-tech product might be of assistance in this case. Smart door locks are programmed to open when near your smartphone or any other device verified and approved in your control systems. 

One of the industry-leading products is August Smart Lock. A cool feature regarding August locks is their compatibility with modern as well as traditional deadbolts. Alternately, Yale Smart Locks have the best touch screen whilst Kwikset Kivo works both with a key and a smartphone. If looking for any low-budget option Lockitron would do the job.

3. Install Smart Lighting

Smart lighting would not only raise your comfort level at home but also curtail your monthly electricity bills. Smart lights can be programmed to turn on and off as per your schedule.

 In addition to this, the brightness, color, and ambiance of your lights can be conveniently adjusted through smartphone apps. The smart lighting products powered by Qualcomm Technology are currently in vogue in the market.

Pairing your smart lighting with other products such as smart dimmers, wireless controllers, and smart sensors would completely transform your home, your living standard, and your style statement.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

No matter how harsh or mild the climate of your city is, buy a smart thermostat and always enter your home at the perfect temperature. Thermostat often comes in an overall smart housing system, for instance, Apple’s HomeKit which allows you to adjust the temperature levels of your house.

Just like smart lighting, a smart thermostat fosters positive effects on your electricity bills as excessive use of air conditioning and heating systems is automatically avoided.

5. Get Yourself a Smart Meter

Into the bargain, a smart meter would directly hit the units of electricity utilized. The power usage and controls present themselves visually on the screen for you to modify. In addition to this, you can also forward your usage data to your energy supplier to maintain the record.

6. Buy a Universal Remote

The controls need a controller and that’s where the idea of a universal remote enters. A remote can act as a manual backup given you have already enhanced your traditional home settings with a smart assistant. Apart from this, a universal remote can happen to be a useful tool in case you do not want to extend voice-recognition benefits to kids in your house.

One of the best options available is Logitech Harmony Companion Remote Control. The remote allows you to control all of your gadgets including lighting, thermostat, or locks. The task of activating these gadgets or turning them off can be performed from your living room couch.

7. Don’t Forget to Secure Your Router

Having purchased the best devices available to transform your home, you must also pay consideration towards securing your router. Lacking in this domain might prove to be the Achilles heel of your smart home. 

It's better to change the default password of the router and replace it with a lengthy password with numerals. Avoid using birth year or other easily guessable options. Other than that, it's better to keep upgrading your software, now and then, to counter any virus or hacking threats.

Having viewed the tips on how to make your home smarter and after examining a plethora of products available for this purpose, you can start upgrading your house right from today! Make sure your selection of smart products takes into account your specifications and financial capacity.