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Before buying anything evaluate whether you actually need it. Just because you could doesn't mean you should. Wifi thermostats for example, a good idea if you are getting home at different times of the day or have a vacation home. On the other hand if you have a basic routine every day the basic 20 dollar thermostat is all you really need.
Exactly what components would I need to get to make my home a "SMART" home?
Currently, there are several different smart home "systems." The aren't all compatible, so you have to do your homework.
Basically, you need a wi-fi setup to connect to the internet, and then some sort of smart home "hub." At that point, you can connect all sorts of things to the hub and control it all from your smart phone or from a computer somewhere. You can buy special plug-ins for your lamps and appliances, thermostats, cameras, alarm systems, and so on.
I haven't gotten too carried away with it all, so far, as I'm getting ready to move. But I do have several Nest cameras set up so that I can monitor things while I'm away. That seems to work well.
Such a vague question. Sounds like you need to do some research.
It totally depends on you. How Smart do you want it?
Disagree with Coalman on the Thermostat. You don't need a $200 one but a $20 one won't help you save any money either. At the very least you should have a programmable one.
The 2 popular things are lighting and thermostats. But you can go nuts and get a Fridge that makes a shopping list for you.
To clarify what I meant was a basic programmable thermostat. That's all most people need if they have a regular routine everyday. You can program 4 time spans witht that one but you cannot program specific days. For another 5 bucks you can get the one that will allow you to program for the weekend. For another $30 you can get the 7 day model...
Does just having a thermostat or camera rise to the level of having a "Smart Home". I know that there are MANY different components that go into having a "Smart Home", but what exactly what systems and components does the house need to have before it would actually be able to be called a "Smart Home"?
Disagree with Coalman on the Thermostat. You don't need a $200 one but a $20 one won't help you save any money either. At the very least you should have a programmable one.
Agreed, a programmable is the best option for someone on a consistent schedule.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peregrine
The 2 popular things are lighting and thermostats. But you can go nuts and get a Fridge that makes a shopping list for you.
Anyone setting up smart things and IoT devices must keep security at the forefront. Not long ago fridges, TV's and other devices were used in a coordinated DDOS attack. Don't be part of the problem, any internet connected device can be vulnerable, not just your computer.
Are you trying to sell your house and you want to list it as SMART or something?
There is no official "Smart Home" designation as if you could install X Y and Z and wham: home is officially SMART.
Are you trying to sell your house and you want to list it as SMART or something?
There is no official "Smart Home" designation as if you could install X Y and Z and wham: home is officially SMART.
We are having new house built that is "Energy Star" certified. It has to meet guide lines to be certified, and wanted to find out if "Smart Home" actually was a real thing, and if so what I would need to do to to actually be considered a "Smart Home".
We are having new house built that is "Energy Star" certified. It has to meet guide lines to be certified, and wanted to find out if "Smart Home" actually was a real thing, and if so what I would need to do to to actually be considered a "Smart Home".
AFAIK there currently is no standard to define what a smart home is or what it needs to include, it's just a buzzword.
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