Twenty years ago, having lights switch on as you enter a room was something you’d associate with the likes of Dumbledore. Fast forward a couple of decades, and now we mere muggles can enjoy a touch of magic in our homes. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your Hogwarts letter still isn’t coming. I’m talking about smart homes.
*Collaborative post
In this guide, we’ll share tips for setting up a smart home on a budget and highlight its benefits. We’ll also answer questions such as ‘Is a VPN worth it?’ regarding smart home security.
Types of smart home devices
There are so many different types of smart home devices to help make your life easier, such as:
Smart speakers
A device that recognises your voice to control music, retrieve information, and automate your home.
Doorbells and security cameras
These devices notify you when someone is at your door and help deter intruders.
Switches
Control brightness and switch lights on and off using voice commands.
Sensors
Detect hazards like fire, intruders, or leaks.
Appliances
Have your coffee brewed before you’ve even walked into the kitchen, or have your fridge tell you when food is about to expire.
Thermostats
The temperature will change automatically depending on what you set it to.
Benefits of having a smart home
Smart home tech is now more accessible than ever, and it comes with many benefits – some you might not even realise. These include:
Convenience
One of the main benefits of smart home tech is how seamlessly it integrates with your daily life. You can control all your gadgets without even having to leave your sofa.
Customisability
Another notable benefit is how everything can be customised to your liking, such as setting the perfect temperature or adjusting the brightness or colour of your lighting.
Energy savings
Smart lights and thermostats save energy and lower your carbon footprint.
Security
A smart security system will include features such as video surveillance, motion sensors, and smart locks.
Accessibility
People with limited mobility and other disabilities will find that they can easily interact with their environment using remote controls or voice activation.
Increased property value
A smart home can actually increase your property’s value. In fact, over half (51%) of Brits who participated in a survey stated that they would pay more for a smart home.
Remote home management
The ability to control your devices from your phone or tablet helps eradicate this common worry so you can go about your day.
Setting up a budget-friendly smart home
- Prioritise your needs
- Start small
- Choose a platform that works best for you
- Ensure you have a strong internet connection
You might think smart home tech is for the mega-rich, but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it. If you’re thinking about setting up a smart home, you first need to consider your needs.
Ask yourself questions such as, what devices are actually going to significantly impact my everyday life? Don’t just buy a gadget for the sake of buying it. For example, if energy savings are a priority, invest in smart thermostats and smart plugs.
You don’t have to convert everything all at once. Why not start small and scale up?
One of the first things you need to do is pick your ecosystem—Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. You want to choose a platform that pairs well with the devices you already have for a more seamless setup.
Additionally, as with any smart device, you need to find the best spot for it – usually an area with a strong WiFi connection. Be sure to check that your existing WiFi is capable of handling all requirements.
Protect your smart home devices using a VPN
While smart devices feature advanced technology, they can be vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their internet connectivity. Many smart devices prioritize convenience over security, leaving them exposed. Smart devices are built for convenience rather than security, which is why a lot of the technology is lacking. This is where a VPN steps in to save the day. A VPN helps protect your privacy, security, and data from prying eyes.
Installing a VPN alongside your smart home is crucial. It acts as a defensive wall for your devices, encrypting data and masking your IP address, shielding them from the eyes of pesky cyber criminals who may be trying to get a look in.
Setting up a smart home doesn’t have to be daunting. Start small and expand over time.