The Consumer’s Guide to Building a Smart Home on a Budget
October 16, 2019
The constant advancements in technology continuously change our day-to-day lives. The use of smartphones has become the norm, the number of smart cars is on the rise and the number of smart homes is steadily increasing throughout the U.S. Integrating IoT technology will not only interconnect various devices and systems in your home, making your day to day life that much easier, but also transform your ordinary home into a smart home.
What is a smart home?
A smart home is the use of automation that is interconnected to various devices or systems around the home, giving you the ability to control countless systems in your home from a central device. So instead of having to manually adjust all of these systems in your home, you have the ability to control every system with the simple touch of a button. In some cases, you don’t have to be in your home to control these interconnected systems. As long as you are connected to the internet or have cell phone service, you will have control of every system under your roof.
Why invest in smart home technology?
It is evident that the implementation of smart home technology can truly enhance the lives of its residence, but how many residences are currently using smart home technology? Even though the technology we use is constantly evolving, data indicates that only 15% of residences in 2018 or just over 19 million homes in the U.S. were using smart home technology. In one year, the number of smart home residences increased by nearly 121%. That being said, major companies such as Amazon, Google, and Phillips have taken notice of the popularity of smart home technology and are constantly investing and developing new devices to help automate your home.
How to make your home a smart home
To make your home more compatible with smart home technology you should think about installing ethernet around your house, freeing up your congested wifi network and installing devices such as smart plugs and lights are just a few ways to make your home smarter. Doing so will enable a seamless integration of devices such as a smart hub, smart thermostats, and smart lights and many more that can be accessed and adjusted virtually anywhere.
However, if you are looking to save money in the process, it might be in your best interest to buy one high-value connecting product such as a Nest or a smart doorbell system first and then add more compatible products over time. Solving your largest problem around the house first and then installing smart devices one by one will prohibit you from spending too much in a short period of time.
How to protect your smart home
Now that your home is smarter than ever, you can’t forget to take the proper steps to ensure that your smart home isn’t “open” to the public. Even though you may feel that you are in ultimate control of your home, cybercriminals can access your interconnected devices (IoT devices) and lock you out. That being said, you will want to patch and cover any vulnerabilities your now smart home may have.
Before finalizing your smart devices ensure that the default passwords have been changed and that your wifi router is password protected so that hackers can’t exploit your devices. Also, this may be common sense, but do not give your unique passwords to anyone you don’t want to have access to your home.
To help you learn how to automate your home without spending all your hard-earned money we have provided you with an infographic that details numerous ways you can integrate smart technology into your home.
Top smart home brands
Amazon
- Amazons Alexa or Echo Dot offers a convenient way for multiple family members or other residents to interact and adjust various devices and systems in your home.
- Essential product: Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen)
- The Google Nest Hub smart display is one of a kind. This can be synced with your security system (video doorbells) that automatically are displayed on the screen.
- Essential Product: Google Home Hub
Nest
- Nest offers top of the line indoor and outdoor security system that gives its residents 24/7 peace of mind.
- Essential Product: Nest 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat
Philips
- Philips Hue White LED is the best smart bulbs on the market. Not only do they come in standard lights but they also come in floodlights, light strips, fixures, and a full range of outdoor lighting options but they also can become activated by Bluetooth.
- Essential Product: Philips Smart Led Lights
The power and control of your home is now in your hands. You now have the ability to control your lights, entertainment system, appliances, and security from the palm of your hand. Remember to only give access to your home to those you trust or you can be locked out of your own home. The next time you buy a smart appliance like an Amazon smart plug or a Google Home why not use these Capital One Shopping coupons to save money!
Sources:
Digitized House l FoodPrint | Arcadia Power l Energy Star 1, 2, 3 | National Renewable Energy Laboratory | EPA | CNET | Norton | FBI | Natural Resources Defense Council | Interesting Engineering | Energy.gov | Nest
We hope that you found this blog helpful. Our content is not intended to provide legal, financial, digital security or home protection advice. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider talking with a qualified professional. Capital One Shopping does not provide, endorse or guarantee any third-party product, service, information or recommendation listed above. The third parties listed are not affiliated with Capital One Shopping and are solely responsible for their products and services. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.