Can you open your front door, turn on the kitchen lights and start your oven with a single tap? With a smart home, it’s possible.
Smart speakers, smart lights, and even smart conditioners have been the buzz all over Australia. More and more homeowners are embracing the idea of home automation..
But what is a smart home? Or rather, what exactly makes a home “smart”?
What is a smart home?
Most modern homes have devices connected through a wireless network— mobile phones, laptop and such. In a smart home, even more devices and appliances are connected. You can operate them all without moving from your couch.
Smart homes are equipped with appliances and systems that connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so you can access them from anywhere. An app lets you control power points, unlock doors, and stream music. This gives you convenience and ease from anywhere in the house.
Using an app like Google Home is just one of three ways to use smart home gadgets. Smart Assistants, like Siri, receive instructions through voice commands. There’s a third option—full-out automation. For example, you could set your kettle to switch on daily at 6:00 am or your heater to turn on when you leave the office for home.
It’s like having a personal assistant at home. It’s fun, convenient, and incredibly easy to set up.
Getting started with a smart home setup
The great thing about setting up a connected home system is that you can go big or start small. It’s all a matter of preference.
If you’re on a budget, you can begin by installing small home appliances: smart light bulbs, doorbells, speakers, or clocks. Starting small is also good if you’re still testing the waters. Smaller, simpler smart home devices allow you to explore without shelling out a lot of money. This would be a waste if you decide not continue further.
Of course, you can go all out and splurge on smart appliances and smart plugs. You shouldn’t need to rewire your home, unless it’s too old to have a neutral wire. Still, the help of a licensed electrician is essential if you want to set up your smart home safely and correctly.
The costs of setting up a smart home
A complete “smart setup” costs $2000 for the initial wiring. After that, other work needs to be done, like wiring and setting up your appliances. You’ll also need to consider the cost of the devices themselves.
Smart home appliances cost more than their traditional counterparts. A smart light bulb, for example, could cost you at least $40, while a smart doorbell can cost about $140 to $450.
It’s a good idea to seek the expertise of an electrician before you start shopping for devices. Depending on your home and existing wiring, they can guide you on the best options.
Setting up your own smart home can be a fun project, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing with electrical equipment. If you’re not comfortable, on your own, hire an electrician who knows how to do this kind of work and has a proven track record.
When you hire STL Electrical for your smart home set-up and rewiring, we’ll collaborate with you and ensure that each component is installed as efficiently as possible. Our team will have everything hooked up and ready to go before we leave your house.
We’re Melbourne-based electricians and are available 24/7 for any electrical work. Check out our complete list of serviceable areas. Call us for a free consultation, and let’s get you on the smart home journey!
