It begins, usually, with just one device. A demo device available at a discount, a tip from a friend to get a doorbell, a bundle speaker addition. Six months down the line, there are four apps on your phone, two blinking hubs lying in the back of the closet, and a switch that only works when the Wi-Fi is feeling strong.
The issue is rarely the quality of the smart home devices. Most of us buy first and think later. Planning your purchases in advance can save time and money, so it’s worth considering a few things before getting started, including how to secure your smart home system from the very beginning.
The Price of Not Planning
Your smart home devices don’t always work together. Many have their own app, account, and even their own means of connecting to your home network.
If they don’t match, you’re going to have to live with the results down the line. You could pay out of pocket for a new device that can’t connect to your new hub, or you could spend money on a bridge that isn’t actually necessary. Or perhaps you’ll be paying monthly cloud storage fees on cameras from three different brands.
And finally there’s the amount of time spent. It can take hours to diagnose a complex system. When lights go out by themselves, the automation occurs at the wrong time, and people don’t know which app opens the garage door, the anger can escalate. Planning won’t eliminate every snag, but it can significantly reduce problems caused by poor purchasing decisions.
Begin with a Clear Statement of Your Needs and Problems
Top smart home systems are built around your existing habits. Take note of what frustrates you in your day-to-day life or what you want to make more convenient, and get that written down before you start shopping online.
Perhaps you leave the back door unlocked all the time. Or, maybe the hallway stays dark in the evenings, making your kids afraid to walk to the bathroom. Or, maybe your electric bill in the summer climbs to record heights, and you have the suspicion that the air conditioning kicks on when no one is in the house.
A list also guides your priorities. Security and saving energy may be good reasons to buy those devices first, while a coffee machine and colorful lighting may seem to be secondary priorities. By buying the right things first, you’ll find it easier to justify other products, or you may find you don’t need others at all.
Handle Security Issues Right Away
All smart home devices are essentially miniature computers connected to the Internet. The computer or smartphone you use to control your smart home also holds the keys to your system. If a hacker gets hold of your smartphone and the app stored on it, they can open your front door too.
Security is something to think about ahead of time. Which devices control the apps that run your smart home? Ensure they are kept up to date, with a password manager and two-factor authentication enabled where available.
Additionally, double-check that you’ve got trusted antivirus software on the computers and phones you use to manage your system. Malware can easily find your login information and then steal that data to access your other accounts. Trying a free trial antivirus is a simple way to test how well protected your devices are.
Choose Your Favorite Ecosystem and Standards Early
Your platform will influence many decisions later on. To start, most smart homes are based on a platform like Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings or Home Assistant (DIY-friendly). Your platform selection generally relates to the phone you own and the voice assistant your house tends to use.
All is not lost. A new industry standard called Matter, supported by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and a host of other companies, has made things better. Certified Matter devices from different brands will work together, and the Thread low-power mesh network used by many Matter devices can provide resilient connectivity.
But the Matter logo doesn’t guarantee that every feature will work across all platforms. Some features are still only available through the manufacturer’s app. As you’re comparing products, consider these questions:
- Does the device work with Matter? Do I need a Thread border router or hub?
- Will it keep working locally if we lose the Internet?
- Is its primary feature locked behind a paid subscription?
- How long does the manufacturer commit to maintaining its software and providing security patches?
Test Your Network Before Connecting Devices
Many issues are caused by your Wi-Fi. Twenty or thirty connected devices put a considerable burden on an outdated router, while weak coverage makes the problem even worse.
Test the signal with your smartphone in each of the areas where you plan to use the devices, like the front porch, garage and back bedroom. If your speed drops precipitously, you should consider purchasing a mesh Wi-Fi network rather than another device. Some mesh routers and speakers are also Thread border routers.
Alternatively, consider creating a dedicated guest or IoT network for these devices. Isolating your cameras and smart plugs from your work or browsing laptops will help contain any damage should any of this budget gear fall victim to a security compromise.
Budget and Rollout Timeline
The price of smart home products can also build up over time, so create a smart home budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend this year and divide your purchases into phases.
A good purchase order begins with networking and security products, then the devices that will address your biggest challenges, then optional devices as time permits. Now you have a safe baseline, and a few weeks to try out each new device before you determine if you really want or need it at home.
Don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs like camera cloud services, paid tiers of apps, security software subscriptions that bill monthly or annually, and more. This helps to give you a clear picture of your overall costs.
Think of Everybody Living in Your Household
If only one of your family members knows how to use your home automation system, is it even smart? When purchasing smart home devices, think about the household. Granny and grandpa may still want to turn a light on with a switch, your kids may need limited access, and visitors should not have to use an app just to turn a light on.
Part of a good plan is having backup solutions for when the main function fails. Some options are manual switches, locks with keypads or keys, and automations. Use the household or family sharing option available in the system to give everyone access through their own account, so you can remove access as needed.
Plan Once and Enjoy for Years
Technology in our homes can make life easier and even save you money, if you are purchasing the right products and they are compatible. A bit of forethought means you can buy less, keep your subscriptions to a minimum and keep yourself and your home safe.
First, figure out what you need. Then pick an ecosystem. Strengthen your network. Protect the devices that control your smart home. Finally, buy gradually and test as you go. Consider the needs of everyone in your household when making purchases.