A smart home offers a wide range of benefits, including convenience, automation, security, and an elevated lifestyle. The idea of immersing yourself in a futuristic home where everything is at your fingertips sounds exciting, but there are several factors to consider. If you're planning to build your own smart home, here are a few tips to keep in mind before building your high-tech sanctuary.
Start Right, Plan Right
Building a home starts with a plan, but careful planning is what turns it into a truly personal space. Before buying any flashy gadgets, decide on the aspect of your home that is most important to you. Is it lighting, security, or energy savings?
Take your time. Take small steps by purchasing a smart device or two, such as a smart bulb or a smart speaker. Look for shops that offer great discounts so you won’t be hit with hefty prices right away. Try to find retailers that provide substantial discounts on smart home devices.
Here’s a pro tip: You can start by finding your first smart device on Next Upgrade, a new ecommerce platform in the Philippines offering smart home and smart lifestyle products.
Acquiring your first device will help you learn how they work, and you can gradually expand your collection. Mapping out your goals helps prevent overspending on unnecessary tech.
Choose your Ecosystem
It’s also wise to consider your preferred platform before purchasing devices. One of the first steps is to choose between Aeotec or Xiaomi Smart Hub and stick with it. This will allow your devices to work and communicate seamlessly together. Each platform has its own ecosystem of first-party and third-party devices, and choosing one ensures smoother integration across your home.
You should also consider the availability and price of devices. For example, in the Philippines, there are many compatible Google Home devices on the market. Not only are they more affordable, but there are also plenty of retail stores offering them. Next Upgrade offers a wide selection of Google Home-compatible devices and ships them nationwide.
Sticking with one platform prevents potential issues, such as needing multiple apps or dealing with devices that don’t work together, saving you time and reducing frustration. By committing to one platform, you’ll create a more efficient and harmonious smart home experience.
Stable Network is a Must
A strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection is the crux of any smart home. Almost all smart devices rely on a wireless network to function. Without a solid Wi-Fi network, your smart devices may experience connection drops, which can affect their performance.
If certain areas of your home have poor Wi-Fi coverage, consider investing in a mesh Wi-Fi system or Wi-Fi extenders. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple devices spread throughout the home to provide strong and seamless connectivity. Wi-Fi extenders, on the other hand, boost the existing signal to cover weak spots. Several brands offer affordable extenders and mesh devices, and to save more, it's wise to plan how many of these devices your home needs.
Boost Your Security
Being connected to the internet makes your devices vulnerable to security attacks. Keeping your smart home secure is crucial for protecting your privacy and personal information. Start by creating strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network and each smart device. Avoid simple, easy-to-guess passwords, like common words or dates. Instead, use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters to enhance security. Enabling two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to your devices.
Additionally, it’s important to keep your devices updated with the latest software. Manufacturers often release updates to fix security vulnerabilities and improve features. Make it a habit to regularly check for and install updates as soon as they become available. You can also choose devices that promise several years of software updates and support for added security and longevity.
Conserve Energy
These days, it’s also about sustainability. So, consider setting up a smart home to conserve energy. You can save energy and simplify your daily routine by scheduling your smart devices. For example, you can create a bedtime routine that turns off the lights, locks the doors, and sets the thermostat to a comfortable sleeping temperature. This way, you're not only saving energy by ensuring lights and appliances are off when not in use, but you're also making your home feel safer at night.
By automating tasks, you experience the true perks of a smart home. Having your devices work together means less time managing everything and more time enjoying life. Automation makes everyday tasks feel effortless, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
Conclusion
Creating a smart home offers benefits like convenience, automation, security, and an improved lifestyle. However, to fully utilize the advantages of a smart home, proper planning is essential. Start with small steps to figure out what works for you. And remember, building a great smart home doesn’t have to be expensive.
As you embark on your journey to create a smart home, consider Next Upgrade, a smart home ecommerce platform designed to make your smart lifestyle goals achievable. With a wide range of smart devices, competitive prices, and great deals, Next Upgrade is the perfect place to find your first gadget and expand your collection.
Whether you're looking for smart bulbs, speakers, or home security devices, Next Upgrade has everything you need to start building your ideal tech-savvy home, with nationwide shipping and fast delivery times. Check out the NextUpgrade shop at nextupgrade.ph or visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts for more updates, deals and promotions. You can also check out their YouTube channel and make it as a guide to start your own smart home.
