Smart Home Buying Guide: Getting Started with Home Automation

Ready to make your home smarter? This guide covers everything you need to know about getting started with home automation.

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home uses internet-connected devices to automate and remotely control lighting, climate, security, and appliances. You can control these devices through smartphone apps, voice assistants, or automated schedules.

Essential Smart Home Devices

1. Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat like our Smart Thermostat with Learning can save up to 23% on heating and cooling bills by learning your schedule and preferences. Control temperature from anywhere via your phone.

2. Smart Lighting

Smart bulbs let you control brightness, color, and schedules from your phone or voice. Set scenes for movie night, sync lights with music, or automate them to turn on at sunset.

3. Smart Plugs

Turn any device into a smart device\! Smart plugs let you control lamps, fans, and appliances remotely. Many include energy monitoring to track power usage.

4. Smart Doorbell

See who’s at your door from anywhere with a video doorbell. Get motion alerts, speak with visitors through two-way audio, and never miss a package again.

5. Smart Security Camera

Indoor cameras with motion tracking keep an eye on your home, pets, or kids. Look for models with night vision and two-way audio.

Choosing a Smart Home Ecosystem

Most smart home devices work with one or more ecosystems:

• Amazon Alexa – Largest device compatibility, great voice control
• Google Home – Best for Google users, excellent search integration
• Apple HomeKit – Best privacy and security, requires Apple devices

Choose an ecosystem based on the voice assistant you prefer and the devices you already own.

Tips for Getting Started

• Start small – Begin with one or two devices and expand over time
• Stick to one ecosystem – Mixing ecosystems can complicate automation
• Prioritize security – Change default passwords and keep firmware updated
• Consider your WiFi – Many smart devices need 2.4GHz networks; mesh WiFi helps with coverage

Conclusion

A smart home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start with devices that solve real problems in your daily life. Browse our Smart Home collection to begin your journey.