Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Pro Handyman Australia – Editorial Team

The modern home has evolved significantly over the past few years, transitioning from mere brick and mortar to an integrated hub of technology and innovation. As the concept of “smart homes” gains traction, potential homeowners and tech aficionados alike face an array of choices, each promising to transform daily living with convenience and automation. Whether you’re stepping into the realm of smart living for the first time or looking to upgrade your existing setup, navigating the sea of options can be overwhelming. Enter our “Smart Home Buying Guide,” designed to demystify the process and help you make informed decisions. From security systems to intelligent kitchen appliances, we’ll explore the essentials and the luxuries, ensuring you’re well-equipped to craft a home that’s not just smart, but also perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.

Table of Contents

Smart Home Buying Guide: Navigating the Future of Intelligent Living

In a world where technology is intertwined with almost every aspect of our lives, our homes are no exception. From lights that adjust to our moods to refrigerators that notify us when we’re running out of milk, the smart home revolution is well and truly upon us. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials and the frills of smart home technology, helping you craft a haven of modern convenience.

1. Understanding Smart Home Basics

A smart home utilizes devices that can be easily controlled remotely by a smartphone or computer. These devices are interconnected, often using platforms like Google Home, Amazon’s Alexa, or Apple’s HomeKit.

2. The Central Hub

Before diving into individual devices, consider a central hub. This device connects and manages all other smart devices in your home. Popular options include Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomePod.

3. Intelligent Lighting

Smart Bulbs: Change color, brightness, and even schedule when they turn on/off.
Smart Switches: Replace your traditional switches and allow remote control without changing bulbs.

4. Climate Control

Smart Thermostats: Devices like Nest or Ecobee learn your habits and adjust heating or cooling accordingly, saving energy and money.
Smart Fans: Can be scheduled or integrated with thermostats for optimal operation.

5. Home Security

Smart Cameras: Devices such as Ring or Arlo allow remote surveillance.
Smart Locks: Lock or unlock doors remotely and even provide temporary access to guests.
Sensors: Window and door sensors notify you of any breaches.

6. Entertainment

Smart TVs: Connect to the internet and access streaming services directly.
Voice-controlled Speakers: Devices like Sonos can play music, provide news updates, or even control other smart devices.

7. Kitchen & Appliances

Smart Refrigerators: Notify you when groceries are running low or if the door is left open.
Smart Ovens: Can be preheated remotely or programmed to start cooking at specific times.

8. Home Maintenance

Smart Vacuums: Devices like Roomba can be scheduled to clean.
Smart Lawn Mowers: Automatically trim your grass, ensuring a manicured lawn without effort.

9. Health & Wellness

Air Quality Monitors: Monitor and provide insights on improving indoor air quality.
Smart Sleep Aids: Track sleep patterns and create an optimal sleeping environment.

10. Energy Management

Smart Plugs: Monitor and control power usage of any device plugged into them.
Solar Energy Integrations: Connect with your solar panels to monitor and optimize energy usage.

11. Integration & Compatibility

Ensure the products you buy are compatible with your central hub. Research beforehand, especially if you’re invested in a particular ecosystem like Google, Amazon, or Apple.

12. Future-Proofing

Technology evolves rapidly. When purchasing, consider devices that receive regular software updates and have a track record of adding new features.

13. Privacy Concerns

As with all connected devices, there’s a potential risk of data breaches. Ensure your devices come from reputable brands, and always keep their software updated.

14. Installation & Setup

While many devices are DIY-friendly, some may require professional installation. Consider this when budgeting for your smart home.

15. Budgeting & Prioritizing

It’s easy to get carried away. Prioritize essential items and remember that you can always expand your smart home system over time.

The Advantages of a Smart Home: Why It’s Time to Upgrade

The concept of a smart home, once a dreamy vision of the future, has become an attainable reality for homeowners around the globe. With technology advancing at a breakneck speed, our residences are no longer just places of shelter but interactive spaces that can adapt, learn, and respond. But what exactly are the advantages of owning a smart home, and why should you consider making the switch? Let’s dive in.

1. Enhanced Convenience

At its core, smart home technology offers unparalleled convenience. Imagine being able to control your home’s lighting, temperature, and security systems with just a few taps on your smartphone or through voice commands. Gone are the days of wondering if you left the lights on; now, you can check and adjust settings from anywhere in the world.

2. Increased Energy Efficiency

Smart homes are often synonymous with energy-efficient living. Smart thermostats can learn your heating and cooling preferences over time and adjust to energy-saving temperatures when you’re away. Similarly, smart lighting can be scheduled to turn off during daylight hours or when a room is unoccupied, ensuring minimal wastage.

3. Enhanced Security

Smart homes provide homeowners with an added layer of security. From video doorbells that allow you to see who’s at your front door to smart locks that can be controlled remotely, the benefits are tangible. Plus, with real-time alerts, you’re always in the know about any potential security breaches.

4. Financial Savings

Though there’s an initial investment, smart homes often lead to significant cost savings in the long run. With more efficient energy usage comes reduced utility bills. Also, many insurance companies now offer discounts for homes equipped with smart security systems.

5. Accessibility and Ease

For the elderly or those with mobility challenges, smart homes can be life-changing. Voice commands can control lighting, televisions, thermostats, and more, making daily tasks simpler and more accessible.

6. Future Resale Value

As smart home technology becomes more mainstream, properties equipped with these systems can demand higher resale values. It’s an investment not only in your current lifestyle but also in the future value of your property.

7. Customization

One of the most appealing aspects of smart home tech is the ability to customize. Every household is different, and smart systems can be tailored to fit the unique rhythms and routines of each family.

8. Real-time Updates

Whether it’s a notification about a package being delivered or a reminder to water your plants, smart home systems keep you informed in real-time, ensuring you’re always connected to what’s happening at home.

9. Integration with Other Tech

Smart homes often integrate seamlessly with other technologies, such as wearable tech. Your smartwatch can track your sleep patterns and communicate with your home to adjust the lighting and temperature based on when you wake up.

10. Peace of Mind

Above all, smart homes provide homeowners with peace of mind. Whether it’s the confidence that comes from enhanced security features or the comfort of arriving at a perfectly lit and heated home, the emotional and mental benefits are tangible.

Navigating the World of Smart Homes

Choosing Smart Speakers and Virtual Assistants

Smart speakers serve as a convenient entry point into the realm of smart homes. These devices provide users with the ability to interact with virtual assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This interaction allows for the control of other smart home gadgets, music playback, weather updates, news briefings, and more.

However, it’s essential to recognize that many high-quality speakers designed for Alexa or Google Home might restrict you to using only one virtual assistant, potentially limiting your integration with a specific platform. While there are numerous options available, ranging from affordable compact speakers to more high-end ones, our top recommendation in this category is the Echo Dot with Clock. But it’s essential to note that this particular speaker only integrates with Alexa.

In our personal experience, we’ve opted for Alexa over Google Assistant. Still, both platforms have their own sets of commendable features and functionalities. For those seeking a more visual experience alongside their audio, smart displays could be a worthy investment. Like their speaker counterparts, these devices come with screens that display time, allow surveillance of home security cameras, facilitate movie watching, and more. While we’ve personally preferred the Echo Show, the Google Nest Hub’s second generation, equipped with sleep-sensing technology, ranks as our top smart display choice.

Apple’s Siri is another contender in this category, predominantly present in the Apple HomePod mini smart speaker. Although Siri might not have as extensive a device compatibility list as Alexa or Google Home, it seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices. For users looking for versatility, the Sonos One stands out, offering compatibility with both Google Assistant and Alexa. Additionally, some smart TVs and high-end soundbars offer features akin to smart speakers.

Smart Plugs: A Simple Start

Smart plugs serve as foundational gadgets in the smart home ecosystem. By connecting a device like a lamp to a smart plug, users can seamlessly control it through their smartphones. This feature also extends to scheduling and other smart home device linkages. For those seeking recommendations, various guides offer insights into the top smart plugs, including those designed for outdoor lighting.

Illuminating with Smart Lights

Smart lights represent another fundamental segment in smart homes. The options are vast – from individual bulbs and decorative strips to light fixtures and pathway illumination. Philips Hue is a recognized leader in this sphere, but brands like Sengled, Lifx, Wyze, Wiz, TP-Link Kasa, and GE’s Cync are also worth exploring. Moreover, color-capable bulbs from these brands enable users to experiment with diverse lighting shades. Non-traditional lighting solutions, such as Nanoleaf’s wall panels, are gaining popularity, with the Nanoleaf Lines and Nanoleaf Elements being notable mentions. Additionally, for younger users, the child-friendly Echo Glow is a valuable asset. Notably, smart lights are often celebrated on social media platforms, with platforms like TikTok featuring lights with smart characteristics.

Switching It Up: Smart Light Switches

As an alternative to smart lights, smart light switches are worth considering. During our home renovation, we favored smart switches over lights. Although the installation process might be more intricate due to considerations like neutral wires, they can be more cost-effective in homes with numerous light sockets. Some switches, like the Brilliant Smart Home controller, not only control lights but also integrate a display for other smart home device management. The GE C-Start Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer ranks as our top pick for smart switches.

Video Doorbells: Enhancing Front Door Security

Video doorbells bring an added layer of security and convenience to homes. With these devices, homeowners can view live feeds on their smartphones whenever someone approaches or rings the doorbell. This feature is also accompanied by intercom functionality, beneficial for those who might need more time to answer the door. Some models even offer package detection features, alerting users about deliveries. While Ring is a recognized brand in this category, our top choice is the Nest Doorbell. Other brands such as Arlo, Blink, and Wyze also offer reliable video doorbells. However, potential buyers should be aware that most brands provide storage plans at an additional cost, essential for those wanting comprehensive access to their front door activity logs.

Home Security Cameras: Surveillance and Privacy Combined

When considering the addition of home security cameras, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of surveillance against the costs. For those who want to keep an eye on their property, a camera with storage capabilities is a must. Refer to our guide on security camera storage plans to gauge potential expenses. Quality cameras typically come with night vision and can be integrated with other smart home devices. This integration can enable automatic recording when you depart and ceasing upon your return.

Our top recommendations for versatile security cameras are the Nest Cam (battery) and Wyze Cam (v3), both suitable for indoor or outdoor placements. For an exclusively outdoor option, the Ring Floodlight Camera pairs well with advanced security solutions like Ring Alarm or Ring Alarm Pro.

For homeowners wary about indoor surveillance, cameras with a physical shutter provide a sense of privacy when needed. Moreover, visual indicators, often in the form of light signals, inform users when recording is in progress.

Smart Locks: Advanced Home Security

Modern technology has evolved traditional lock and key systems. With the best smart locks, homeowners can remotely secure their property, distribute temporary access passes, and monitor door activity. Integrating these locks with other smart devices can heighten convenience—for instance, unlocking your front door could automatically turn on your lights.

In terms of advanced features, the August WiFi Smart Lock stands out with its ability to detect nearby smartphones and sense ajar doors. Another notable mention is the Schlage Encode, revered for its innovative security provisions.

Smart Thermostats: Efficiency at Your Fingertips

The allure of smart thermostats lies in remote temperature control. But when synced with other devices like motion sensors and lights, these thermostats optimize energy consumption, potentially reducing utility bills. While the Ecobee smart thermostat is a standout in the market, cost-effective alternatives under $100 are available, provided your HVAC system is compatible with a C-Wire.

Elevating Kitchen Intelligence with Smart Appliances

Imagine a futuristic kitchen equipped with smart refrigerators and electric ranges. Though we’ve chosen not to incorporate smart appliances in our projects, the market offers intriguing innovations. From Alexa-integrated faucets to high-tech cocktail makers, the potential to elevate kitchen experiences is vast. For cooking enthusiasts, induction stovetops offer energy-efficient, precision heating. A notable appliance worth considering is the June smart oven—spacious and versatile, it seamlessly blends traditional oven capabilities with modern air frying techniques.

Automated Cleaning: Robot Vacuums and Mops

The appeal of robot vacuums lies in their ability to autonomously maintain household cleanliness. Though occasionally, manual cleaning might be necessary, these robots efficiently combat daily dust and pet hair accumulations. Additionally, their compact design allows access to challenging spaces like beneath furniture. Investing in a robot vacuum can be a game-changer in household maintenance.

If you’re exploring purchase options, our buying guide covers various categories, from budget-friendly choices to pet hair specialists. Among the top contenders, the Roborock S4 Max stands out. However, if you’re looking for a multi-functional device, the Roborock S7 doubles as a mop. For dedicated mopping, the iRobot Braava jet m6 is worth considering.

Smart Garage Door Openers: Secure and Intuitive

A smart garage door opener isn’t just about remote access. It ensures homeowners receive notifications upon any unexpected activity. Integrated with lights and cameras, these devices can trigger alerts if unauthorized access occurs. While there are numerous options available, the Chamberlain myQ remains our top pick for its consistent performance.

Intelligent Smoke Detection: Safety and Integration

In the realm of home safety, smart smoke detectors have emerged as a vital tool. Their ability to immediately notify a homeowner’s smartphone in the event of smoke or fire can be a lifesaver, especially when one is away from home. Additionally, the integration capabilities of these detectors are commendable. They can automatically activate smart lighting systems in the house, illuminating escape routes and potentially aiding safe evacuation.

One notable detector model not only identifies both smoke and carbon monoxide but also pinpoints the specific room where a potential hazard has been detected. Its compatibility with a plethora of smart home services further elevates its significance. For those seeking to upgrade their existing smoke detectors without replacing the entire unit, there are innovative smart batteries available. Designed to fit detectors that accommodate 9-volt batteries, these smart batteries ensure that homeowners receive timely alerts on their smartphones whenever the alarm sounds.

Selecting the Right Voice-Controlled Assistant for Your Smart Home

Voice-controlled virtual assistants have revolutionized the concept of smart homes. They allow homeowners to manage and control devices using voice commands, providing a seamless and efficient experience. Three of the prominent names in this domain are Apple’s Siri, Google’s Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa. Each of these assistants brings unique features and capabilities to the table. Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Amazon’s Alexa

Advantages:

An excellent choice for those initiating their journey into smart homes due to the easy setup process of Echo products.
Echo Dot, the compact speaker variant, offers an affordable entry into voice-controlled home automation.
With over 10,000 third-party skills, Alexa boasts the most expansive support amongst smart home hubs.
Compatibility of the setup apps with both Apple and Android devices ensures flexibility.

Drawbacks:

The requisite Alexa app, crucial for some smart home configurations, isn’t the most user-friendly.
Alexa’s voice recognition can occasionally falter, misinterpreting commands.
The sound quality of Echo speakers might not impress audiophiles.
Direct communication with the speaker is necessary, as invoking Alexa through a smartphone isn’t supported.
Amazon’s privacy policy emphasizes user discretion when dealing with third-party accessories, which might be concerning for some.

Google’s Assistant

Advantages:

Available on Google’s Home speaker and newer Android smartphones.
Priced competitively, Google Home offers a slight edge over its counterparts in terms of cost.
Leveraging Google’s vast search database, Assistant typically provides more accurate answers to a diverse set of queries.

Drawbacks:

The activation phrase, “O.K., Google,” can become repetitive.
Currently, fewer smart home gadgets support Google’s Assistant as compared to Alexa.
Audio quality on Google Home might not meet everyone’s expectations.
Despite being advanced, Assistant isn’t immune to misinterpretations.
Google’s data collection policy, while aiming to enhance user experience, remains somewhat ambiguous.

Apple’s Siri

Advantages:

Apple prioritizes user privacy, collaborating closely with accessory manufacturers to ensure encrypted and secure data transfer.
Integration of Apple’s HomeKit into its devices simplifies the process of syncing Siri with home accessories.

Drawbacks:

The stringent privacy protocols mean fewer Siri-compatible smart home accessories are available in the market.
Siri’s voice recognition, at times, might not capture commands accurately.
The exclusivity of Siri to Apple products limits its reach.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of setting up a smart home is exciting and promises a blend of comfort, security, and efficiency. While the options might seem overwhelming, this guide aims to simplify your choices. Your home is a personal space, and its smart integration should reflect your lifestyle and needs. Happy smart home shopping!