Yes, any home can be a smart home for as long as you have WiFi, a WiFi-enabled device like a tablet or smartphone, and a system for making your home smart, like Alexa through Amazon Echo.
The wiring of your house is also a crucial component, as your appliances need to be positioned in the proper places.
The same thing goes with your wireless connection—the WiFi must reach all corners of your house so the smart appliances can connect to them.
Can you have a smart home without internet?
No, you can’t. While some people purport other technologies like Bluetooth, z-wave and others, these connectivity services are not widely supported.
As such, it is almost impossible to make that system work.
For example, you may have z-wave as your main mode of connectivity.
The problem is that many home appliance manufacturers like Samsung may not support this technology.
How can you buy a television for your z-wave if almost all of them only connect via WiFi?
Sure, you can use devices that do not require the internet, such as bulbs that you can buy from Phillips.
However, your options for smart devices are severely limited. You will still need the internet to make other appliances work.
For example, how will you control the cameras or their real-time uploads if you do not have WiFi?
These products, most cameras, upload recorded data to the cloud, so you need to be connected.
How can I make my home smart?
There are many guides on how to make your home smart.
What we want to do here is to simplify the process.
The Ecosystem
First, you must choose an ecosystem for your smart home, and there are three main choices.
These are Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, and Apple HomeKit.
Each ecosystem has its features and benefits.
For example, the Apple HomeKit is best for Apple users, but Amazon is best for general use.
The Hub
A hub is a control access point. While a tablet or smartphone can be a hub, it is better to buy a dedicated one where you can control everything from one spot.
The hub will connect to all your assistant speakers, and it also has a display.
While many people make do with only a few speakers spread all over the house, there are those who want a dedicated tablet where they can tap their way into managing their smart devices.
The WiFi
You need reliable and strong internet, and this is not negotiable. You need at least 2.4 GHz or 5GHz WiFi transmission.
Why? Because most of the devices that manufacturers make operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency.
If you do not have this WiFi connection, the hub and the devices and the internet will not be able to talk or communicate with each other.
While 2.4GHz has a longer range than 5GHz, the latter has faster speeds.
Today, there is a new WiFi called WiFi 6E. Although it is not yet fully in use, you may want to use this now to future-proof your smart home.
The Appliances
Finally, decide on the appliances that you want to buy.
The good news is that the whole world support Alexa and Google Nest. As for Apple, manufacturers are still catching up.
When you buy your smart appliances, it is important to understand whether or not it supports your ecosystem.
If the device is made for Apple and it cannot connect with your Google ecosystem, do not buy it, as you will just have problems later.
Are smart homes safe?
Yes, they are safe and are not likely to get hacked.
They are also safe as many devices come with multiple features where the smart appliances get turned off if not in use, except for those that need to be on consistently, like a freezer.
Although smart homes are subject to data attacks, there are always some ways to prevent hackers from controlling your locks and other appliances.
The first key to security is to change your default WiFi password.
Most people use the same passwords that their internet service providers game them—this is bad.
Change the password, and you have improved your smart home security greatly.
You can also look for strong IoT devices. For example, do not buy products from unknown brands that offer cheap smart appliances.
Only but from reputable manufacturers like Samsung, Phillips, etc.
Lastly, be careful what you click; some people use fake or spoof emails to convince you to click or download something.
If you do this, you are done. There are many ways to prevent getting spoofed, so you must familiarize yourself with these processes.
Does a smart home add value?
To some degree, it can. Appraisers can use the changes you made as adjustments.
However, it is not always a good selling point unless the buyer also wants a smart home.
However, problems can happen if the potential buyer does not care that a home is smart.
Generally speaking, smart homes do command higher prices.
The reason is that people looking for smart homes understand the cost of turning one tech-deficient house into a smart one.
As you know, smart homes also come with issues, such as the following:
- The need for a strong internet connection
- The need for a strong security system
- Problems that arise with old or bad technology
- Absence of support from smart appliances
- Issues about maintenance
Of course, you can expect smart homes to get a higher price, which is why you must invest in them now when the price is still affordable.
While buyers who appreciate smart homes are rare today, we know that smart homes are the way of the future and that it is an excellent investment in increasing the value of your home.
Conclusion
A smart home is now becoming the standard.
With more and more manufacturers supporting Wi-Fi-enabled products, it is not at all difficult to convert your home into a smart one.
Before you go through this journey, you must understand that WiFi is the key to converting your home into a smart home.
Apart from reliable internet, you also need a system that works. The best options, of course, are Alexa, Google Smart Home, and Apple HomeKit.