In recent years, a wide variety of easy-to-install and use smart electronic devices have become available to homeowners. It is now possible to monitor your security system and doorbell, turn on and off lights, regulate your thermostat, schedule a robot to vacuum your floors, and play music – all through a smartphone or with voice commands. Some devices can even monitor your energy consumption, allowing homeowners to reduce their utility bills by managing functions like heating and air and household light usage. Making the most of smart electronics in your home involves optimizing their functionality and integrating them with your family’s preferences and daily routines.
Some tips for optimizing smart devices include:
Create a central hub or “dashboard”
- With the variety of smart devices available to the homeowner, it can be helpful to set up a central hub where you can control everything from one place. Different companies have different offerings, depending on your smart home “ecosystem.” For example, Forbes recommends the Echo Show Smart Home Hub to control devices and apps like Alexa, Spotify, Amazon pictures, and Amazon smart plugs, to name a few. Creating a central hub can allow you to integrate smart systems to work together as one.
Take advantage of automation settings
- Use the automation features of your smart home devices to simplify routines and save energy. For example, you can create schedules for turning lights plugged into smart plugs on and off or you can set up motion sensors so lights only come on when someone enters the room. Similarly, as we recommended in our blog Electrical Tips to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient, you can install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature according to the family’s everyday usage and needs. You can also equip smart thermostats with sensors in different rooms to allow them to automatically adjust to varying conditions.
Explore voice commands
- Many smart devices can be controlled by voice commands. Use voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control smart devices for easy, hands-free operation and to set up schedules and routines that support your family’s preferences.
Ensure security
- It’s important to be mindful of protecting your devices and personal data by securing your Wi-Fi network with a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication when it’s available. Review and understand the privacy settings for any smart home device you install. Sometimes simple is better, and not everything must be connected to your home network to work well for your family’s routine. Always review a device’s functionality to ensure it would be helpful versus a “gee whiz” purchase.
Check out the 2024 Forbes list of best smart home devices here: The Best Smart Home Devices to Keep Safe, Connected, and in Touch.
How Can We Help?
At Shockley Electric, we address important home safety issues such as power surges, faulty electrical wiring, and potential fire hazards when we do electrical preventive maintenance in homes or commercial buildings. We are licensed, trained, and skilled in safety-proofing your home, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers.
If you are experiencing electrical problems in your home or aren’t sure if your home is protected from electrical hazards, schedule an in-home estimate or appointment with us today. Fill out our form or call us now for a free estimate!
