According to a 2018 survey conducted by GfK, roughly half of families in the United States own at least one smart device with a third of families owning more than two. While this might seem like a lot, it means that half of us aren’t utilizing smart devices in our homes, much less realizing the true potential of building a smart home.
There are reasons consumers might feel hesitant about exploring smart technology, and knowing where to start may be one of the top reasons why.
Options are practically unlimited when it comes to what sort of smart tech you can use in your home, but not all options are created equal. Whether you’re worried about privacy or are simply unsure what your choices are, your Harlingen smart home builders at Smart Home Construction have the solution for you.
Smart Tech for the First Timer
Thermostats, smart lighting, and security systems are all a great place to start when it comes to considering what kind of smart tech you need in your smart home. Below, you can find Smart Home Construction’s list of excellent options for the first-time smart device buyer.
Each of these options represents a great entrance into the world of smart tech, and each will give you a taste of how smart devices can work to improve your home and your life. While these products are a good place to start, you can truly make your smart home your own!
- Smart thermostat: Nest Thermostat E
- Smart security camera: Arlo Pro 3
- Smart smoke detector: Nest Protect
- Smart lock: August Smart Lock Pro
- Smart plug: Belkin WeMo Insight
- Smart bulb: Philips Hue
Google Nest Hub Max - Smart speaker: Amazon Echo Studio
Remember, this list is meant to be used as a general reference for first-time buyers interested in building a smart home that integrates smart tech. Personal research is always encouraged to make sure that these products fit the specific needs you’re looking to meet.
How to Choose the Right Smart Device
Before you start looking through the veritable oceans of smart products available for purchase, there are a few factors you should consider and questions you should ask yourself. This information will help ensure that you choose products that you’re confident will meet your needs and fit your home.
What do you want out of your smart tech?
The key to an efficient and effective suite of smart technology is placing your focus on your needs and wants rather than the products that might be available.
Look through your daily routine for aspects that might be improved by technology. Trust us, there’s a smart product that can do just about anything you might want for your home convenience, so starting from what you want instead can save you a lot of time and uncertainty.
For instance, you might want voice control for your lights or thermostat or an artificially intelligent kitchen to streamline your cooking. Before you buy, make sure you consider how that product will improve your specific day-to-day life, and don’t forget to talk with us so that we help make this dream a reality.
Consider the platforms you know and love.
Smart devices are made to be integrated into a system of other smart tech. While you certainly don’t have to buy a whole suite of smart products, you may want to consider your platform options before beginning your smart tech adventures.
You probably already know about the smart branches of Google and Amazon, but there are many other options to choose from including other big names in tech like Samsung and Apple.
Still unsure? Check out some versatile products.
If trying to figure out what aspect of home life you want to improve isn’t working for you, you may have better luck trying out a multifunctional device that will give you a wide range of uses.
Great options include smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or Google Home which include too many features to count and basically function as in-home assistants. Another plus for smart speakers is their relatively low price point and ease of use. Remember, if you’re not sure, start with the basics and build yourself up.
Study your options to make sure they work for you.
The golden rule here is to consider what options will work to improve your life and meet your needs. A big part of that process is studying the functions, perks, and potential shortcomings of any devices you’re considering purchasing. With countless sources for smart tech reviews and guides and an extensive blog history from yours truly, finding the information you need is a breeze!
