Smart Home FAQs

No, there is no age limit for smart home technology and devices. Many devices like smart lights and alarms only need a Wi-Fi connection. Some smart devices might need an updated electrical system, which you should consider installing anyway.

You get to decide how many smart home devices you want to use in your home! Many people like making as many things in their home as “smart” as possible, like thermostats, kitchen appliances, laundry machines, and more. Many others only want one specific smart device that they have had their eye on for a while. Either situation is totally fine and fun.

Convenience is the main benefit that convinces people to install smart home devices. Being able to access and control certain pieces of technology in your home from virtually anywhere in the world is truly amazing. Another big benefit is security. With smart devices, you can better monitor your property for potential threats.

Yes, smart home devices can help you lower your energy bills by giving you greater control of when devices turn on and off. Most smart devices can be intricately programmed using a paired smartphone app, so you can plan days, weeks, and months ahead.

No, some smart devices only work with devices from the same brand or manufacturer. Smart device vendors and installation experts can help you figure out which pieces of technology will work together, so your home makes the most of this futuristic tech.

A smart home hub acts as the “brain” of your smart home by pairing multiple devices to it. Many hubs double as a modem-router, so they will be the source of your internet and Wi-Fi connections, too. A hub like Alexa can even answer questions for you like, “What is the weather going to be like tomorrow?” You might not need a hub for your smart home, though, depending on what devices you intend to use and how.

Most smart home devices are designed to work with standard C-wires that are likely already in your home. Certain devices that need stronger power sources might need different wiring, though, so it is always a smart choice to start with the help of an electrician.

Any device connected to the internet has the potential to be hacked, but the risk of a smart home device being accessed by a bad actor is extremely low. Hackers typically work with popular operating systems like Microsoft Windows or iOS. The systems that run smart devices are unfamiliar to them, and they are protected by internal security measures. The easiest way you can improve your smart home’s cybersecurity is to always use unique and difficult-to-guess passwords for all connected devices, apps, and accounts.