If you’ve been starting to learn about smart homes, you may be wondering “What is a smart home manager anyway?” Don’t worry, because we’re going to take a closer look at this critical component of your smart home, and other things you need to get started.
What is a smart home manager?
A smart home manager is the tool you use to manage your smart home. Usually a smart home manager is an app you install on a mobile device. The smart home manager is how you control the smart home devices on your network.
This is an important part of your smart home, since you use it so often. Be sure to read reviews on smart home managers and watch YouTube videos on how they work before deciding on which one to use.
Smart home managers & smart home systems
The smart home manager you use will depend on what smart home system you decide to use. Since the smart home manager is where you will be spending time for setup and managing your smart home, be sure it is an app you find easy to use and intuitive.
Smart home systems are closely integrated with your home’s wifi. You can find smart home systems that take the place of your current internet router, or other smart home systems or smart hubs that you add to your existing network.
Some of the common smart home systems are:
The next component of your smart home are your smart home devices. You should look at smart home devices before you pick the hub for your smart home.
Confused? Let’s take a closer look at why this is so important.
Smart home devices
The things you interact with each and every day are your smart home devices. The first thing you should do when you start to create your smart home system is to pick your devices.
Not every device is compatible with every smart home system, which is why it is so important to figure out what devices you want to use.
There are smart home devices for just about everything you can imagine. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Smart thermostats
- Smart lightbulbs
- Smart speakers and personal assistance (Alexa, etc)
- Security systems (lights and cameras)
- Doorbells
- Smart plugs to allow you to control electrical outlets
The list goes on and on, chances are if you want to control something from an app in your home, you can do it.
Designing your smart home system
Now that you understand the main components of a smart home system, it is time to sit down and plan out your smart home with a few simple steps.
Let’s walk you through the process step by step.
- Decide What Your Goals are for your smart home
This may sound silly, but first decide why you want a smart home in the first place. What are the functions you want to be sure to do in your smart home, such as control the lights and control the thermostat. - Pick your smart devices
Start by selecting your smart devices based on function. Each device will say “Compatible with the following smart home systems” such as Amazon, Google, or Apple. Make a list, and see what devices are compatible with what smart home systems. You may have to swap out items if you can’t find a common system to link them to. - Figure out if you need a hub for your smart home
Many wifi routers already have the features and functionality of a smart home system, so start by reading the specifications of your wifi router. If you do need a hub for your smart home, simply buy one that works with the common platform of the smart devices you just listed. - Start using your smart home manager.
Once you have decided on your smart home systems and devices, the next step is your smart home manager. Simply download the app that is compatible with your smart home system, and start building your smart home!
Smart homes don’t have to be scary and intimidating. The core part of your smart home is your smart home system, so make sure to do your homework up front to make sure your smart devices will work with the same system.