Every time I write about a new smart home product, I expect to get a few comments questioning the need to add smart features to products we’ve been using for years. “What’s wrong with a washing machine that doesn’t talk to me?” “I do a better job than a robot vacuum cleaner” or “Have fun being monitored by a smart air purifier!” There’s nothing inherently wrong with the “stupid” products we’ve learned to use. They’re not stupid at all, they just require more work on our part. The potential of smart products is enormous. Sure, they save you time because they work without your input. They also save you money because you can program them using both your intelligence (experience) and theirs (AI). And they’re fun. The joy of voicing a request into the air and having the lights turn on, the doors lock, the dryer spin, and the robot mop is something I’ll never forget. But the biggest reason (the reason I really can’t argue with) is that smart home products make the world accessible. In a few years we’ll all be using them. But for now, here are some important things to consider before you dive in.
You need strong and stable Wi-Fi
Smart home devices need internet. They can ultimately run on local signals like Bluetooth, Z-wave, or Zigbee, but this isn't standard. Setup will almost always require Wi-Fi, and use will often depend on the internet. Not only do you need strong Wi-Fi, you need consistent Wi-Fi throughout the areas where you use your smart products. That's not always easy to achieve given the size of the space, obstacles like metal on walls, and large appliances that get in the way. The solution is often to use a mesh router, which effectively distributes the Wi-Fi signal throughout the space.
Some smart home technology isn't portable to your next home
Some smart products are easier to transport than others. You can carry a Tile anywhere you want, and it's very easy to move a floor bot or smart plug. But moving a voice assistant speaker or hub can be a pain. The same goes for light bulbs and smart appliances. As people increasingly choose smart switches over smart hubs, you need to consider whether to invest in products that are unlikely to be removed and taken to your next home. You might be able to take your robotic pool cleaner with you, but not your smart garage opener. Consider the longevity of your options.
Smart home technology will infringe on your privacy
We should expect privacy while owning smart products. But companies make mistakes, networks are easily hacked, and security breaches happen. I'm not saying we should just accept the privacy breaches that now seem normal, but I support the less common opinion that we should recognize that they happen and not get anxious about them. The reality is that many people have struggled with the security of entering credit card information online and using social security numbers as identification. In the end, younger generations have accepted that online transactions are simply the norm now, that occasional risk is the price of doing business, and that fraud prevention measures from banks were born to address that.
You must choose one main hub
There are many hubs with multiple systems out there today, and the ecosystem is constantly growing. While you can run multiple systems in your home (HomeKit and Alexa, Alexa and Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant, etc.), realistically, you should pick one voice assistant (Siri, Google, or Alexa) and stick to one hub. Integrations make it easier to manage your products through automation and the hub's app, which will help you choose your smart speaker and display. The best way to choose is to consider what products are most important to you and what kind of tinkering you are. If you're an Apple fan, HomeKit makes sense. However, many products don't work with HomeKit. In my opinion, the Alexa ecosystem is the strongest, but if you prefer full control, Home Assistant may be a better choice. Newer hubs like Hubitat and Brilliant offer different levels of control and product integration.
Start adding smart home technology layer by layer
Don't get too carried away with smart products. Pick a hub, then one layer of utility: lighting, HVAC, or cleaning. If you choose lighting, choose between smart switches, fixtures, and bulbs (or all three), but go slowly, with as few brands as possible. Along the way, try things like automation, voice control, and ways to handle lost connectivity. Slowly add layers as you become more comfortable with the technology.
A by-product of smart home living that nobody likes are extra apps and physical hubs. Keep your hubs in one place and label them so it's obvious what they control from the front. Keep a document or spreadsheet somewhere of all the apps on your phone and what they control. This is my favorite hack because many of these apps don't have a company name attached to them and have a very familiar look and name (My SmartLife, Smart Home, Homelife, etc.).