Automations make life simpler. While the technology that makes it possible is complex, using the devices is generally easy, and you may be amazed at how quickly you come to rely on your smart home features! If you are interested in smart home automation, here are some easy DIY projects to tackle yourself to see whether it is for you.
Easy Intro: Smart Speakers
One of the easiest ways to test the waters of home automation is to get a smart speaker. There are plenty of them on the market, and they have countless integrations, so you can easily listen to your favorite radio station, have it turn on your TV, or even order your favorite drinks via Amazon. Want to fact-check a contested trivia question during family game night? Your smart speaker may just have the answer!
When choosing a smart speaker, consider what devices in which you want it to connect. For example, if you have an Apple TV, then maybe a HomePod will work best with the electronics you already have. On the other hand, if you have a FireStick, you might want to welcome Alexa into your home.
Whichever device you choose, adjust your password from the factory settings to keep it confidential, and be sure to read the manual, so you understand the limitations and features.
Get a Security Camera
Ring Cameras were all the rage a couple of years ago, and now there are plenty of competitors. A security camera/doorbell combo is great for identifying who is at your door and allowing you to monitor package delivery when you are not at home. Plus, they are pretty simple to install!
Watch Your Furry Pals
Similarly, you can use specialty pet cams that let you monitor how your four-legged friend is doing home alone. You can even talk to your cat or dog through some of the available devices! It is a great way to check in on pets when they are home alone, and you are working hard at the office.
Smart Lights
Smart lights are wonderful for controlling the ambiance of your home. You can easily control which lights are on and off and even dim your lights at certain times. Away on vacation? Schedule your lights to go on and off so that your home appears occupied!
There are multiple ways you can install smart lights. You can opt for smart bulbs or smart switches. Bulbs will be the quickest to install if you are unsure whether you will like having a smart home. They even come in fun colors if you want to have a family party or just deck out your media room in a unique way.
You can also install light switches with motion sensors to automatically turn lights on and off when people enter or leave a room. What a great way to save on your next energy bill!
Control Your Environment
Smart temperature controls make keeping your home in the Goldilocks zone easy. Use your phone or thermostat to set your ideal temperature. If you are at work or on vacation, easily adjust your settings to save on energy costs. Nest and other thermostats with a Bluetooth or internet connection are easy to install and even easier to use. You just replace your current thermostat with the new unit and then follow their instructions to pair it with your phone or another device.
Making Ceiling Fans Smarter
Ceiling fans are great for helping to circulate air in your home and can reduce your reliance on your AC, especially in cooler months. A smart ceiling fan can sense motion in the room and turn on or shut off depending on whether there’s anyone around. It can also connect to a phone or tablet to create an on/off schedule. You can even use your fan as a sort of wake-up system by having the lights and fan gradually turn on at a set time.
Install a Security Alarm
Smart alarms with motion detectors on your windows and doors can make keeping your home secure simple. Plus, because you can monitor activity while you are on vacation or at work, you get an extra sense of security than you would with traditional systems that only alert you when something is wrong. If you like, combine your system with cameras to have a bird’s eye view of what is happening in your home when you are not there.
Take a Dip into Pool Automation
Create your perfect swimming or floating environment with an automated pool system. Available as an add-on for existing pools, a pool automation system will allow you to monitor and control your pool pump, heater, lights, and more. Now, you can totally take this project on board if you have some tech-knowhow, but it may be best to have a professional take it on.
Start Your Day Smart
Did you know that there are smart coffee makers? Imagine waking up to the aroma of the perfect cup of joe brewing in your kitchen!
If you are excited to delve into smart home features, you may want to think about where you want to control your home. Of course, you will likely want to have controls on your phone; however, you will also want another central hub that your family can use when you are out of the house. Having a shared tablet devoted to your home automation projects can make it easy for anyone to check on the lights, alter temperature controls, see who is at the door, or check the pool settings.
More and more smart homes are hitting the market and are sold with home automation features already installed. If you are interested in adding automation to your “must-have” list or are looking for a place that you can easily automate to suit your needs, give me a call. Let’s talk about what you want in a home and get you set up in the Tampa area.