{"id":116492,"date":"2023-09-08T14:05:53","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T04:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/?p=116492"},"modified":"2023-09-12T14:19:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T04:19:14","slug":"the-aussie-homeowners-guide-to-setting-up-a-smart-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/news\/the-aussie-homeowners-guide-to-setting-up-a-smart-home\/","title":{"rendered":"The Aussie Homeowner’s Guide To Setting Up A Smart Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

The beauty of a smart home lies in its convenience. Five remote controls become one app on your phone, and changes can be made at home, from the office, or even while you\u2019re doing your weekly grocery run. That means you won\u2019t ever have to fret over an aircon being left on, or even over returning to a cold house in winter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But there\u2019s always the question of how much this will cost, and where to start? After all, a smart home can be endlessly improved. First you get smart shutters, then you get <\/span>outdoor optical fibre cables<\/span><\/a>, then you splurge on a smart toilet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Want a little more guidance with transforming your home into a smart home? Then be sure to read through this guide for Aussie homeowners looking to technologise their homes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Turn Your Home Into A Smart Home?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s true that a smart home allows greater ease-of-use across your house, but its benefits are far more than simple luxury. Automated lighting and temperature control allow your house to shutdown and save electricity while you\u2019re out, smart metres inform your electricity and water usage, and smart security systems reduce insurance bills. There is no one-size-fits-all for smart homes, so you also have the benefit of designing your home to fit your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Things To Consider Before Setting Up A Smart Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To prevent choice paralysis and unbudgeted surprises, you should do some precursory research and planning before you buy anything. This can be a big ask in itself, so first ask yourself these questions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. What is my current focus? Security, efficiency, or comfort? All three are achievable and often overlap, but this question narrows down your current purchases.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Which devices best achieve that goal? Items for consideration may include: smart lights, switches, outlets, temperature controls, locks, doorbells, refrigerators, shutters, washing machines, and camera systems.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Which brands allow for interconnectivity between these? Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri support all major brands, but knowing which one you use will aid your decision making.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Are these devices secure, encrypted, or at risk? Encryption and other dynamic security measures are <\/span>still being rolled out<\/span><\/a> for many smart devices\u2013 including door cams, and pet cams \u2013 so this is a question you should ask before each purchase.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Outside of these are many more questions, such as on aesthetics or user experience, but those are often best answered while you\u2019re in-store and ready to buy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Setting Up Your Home WiFi Network<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Smart devices all rely on your network, so it\u2019s the foundation of your smart home\u2013 the cornerstone of your connections. For big houses this may require the measuring of your wireless router\u2019s reach, and the length of your needed ethernet cables\u2013 and if you\u2019re running wires outdoors, make sure they\u2019re rated for outdoor use. You\u2019ll also want to familiarise yourself with the basics of networking\u2013 things like IP address (Your network or device\u2019s unique ID code) and DHCP server (a server that defines and labels your devices\u2019 ID). Once you\u2019re comfortable with the workings of your home wifi, you can begin adding new devices and building your smart home.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Buying For Smart Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    With smart tech being such a rapidly growing and expanding market, new competitors and offerings appear almost everyday. That said, here’s the internet\u2019s current recommendations for smart home items:<\/span><\/p>\n