Smart home automation is all the rage. Home automation is so popular that more than half of all American homes have at least one smart device. And yet there are still those who want nothing to do with technology. Some are afraid of it because they think it is too hard to use.
As a smart home enthusiast myself, I can tell you this: you don’t have to be an expert to get started. In fact, you really do not need to know anything about smart home automation to purchase and install your first device.
Device Complexity Varies
I can understand why some people are terrified by home automation tech. Some devices now on the market are incredibly complex. People are convinced they either need a computer science degree or an unlimited budget capable of supporting professional installation just to get into home automation. Neither is true.
From the budget standpoint, Vivint is just one of many providers offering very affordable packages that come complete with professional installation. You really don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot. And if you are willing to go the DIY route, you can spend even less.
DIY home automation doesn’t have to be complicated, either. My experience is proof. The very first home automation device I purchased was a smart plug. Actually, it was a 2-pack of plugs from a well-known brand. They were so simple to install that I had them both up and running in minutes.
Control With My Phone
The beauty of these two plugs is that they can be controlled with my phone. To set each one up, I first downloaded the mobile app. Then I followed the instructions. Here is what I did:
- I inserted one of the plugs into an outlet, making sure the power switch was off.
- I turned on the power then tapped the app to let it start searching for devices.
- I chose my network and entered the password.
- I waited for the app to find the plug and install it on the network.
That’s all there was to it. Then I repeated the process with the second plug. Once I got to the point of learning how to use an open-source home automation platform, I installed the plugs in that platform and got rid of the smartphone app.
Simple On/Off Switches
Smart plugs are simple on/off switches. And yet there is still a lot I can do with them. The two in my living room (I have added more plugs since those first two) control floor lamps. I have programmed my system to turn the two lamps on every morning at the same time my alarm clock rings. I no longer wake up to a dark house.
I also invested in a smart speaker. So now I can turn both lamps on and off with a simple voice command. For the record, I also put one of the plugs out in my shed along with a power strip. From inside the house, I can use a voice command to activate the plug and charge my lawn mower and string trimmer. I can also issue a verbal command to turn the plug off after four hours. Charging my lawn equipment has never been easier.
Installing and using a smart plug is really easy. Just about anybody who knows how to use a smartphone could do it. Here is the point: you don’t have to be an expert to get started with home automation. Choose a simple device and go from there. You will learn along the way.
