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Smart Home Buyer's Guide
What Is a Smart Home?
Officially, a smart home is "a home equipped with lighting, heating, and electronic devices that can be controlled remotely by phone or computer" - all of which help you create a safer, more convenient, and more energy-efficient home.
In this guide, you'll learn all about smart devices, what they have to offer, and how they can help in your home.
Types of Smart Home Devices
Low voltage heating/cooling systems are the most common, requiring 24-volt power. All of the Wi-Fi thermostats offer here are compatible with low-voltage systems.
Direct line voltage systems use 110 VAC to 240 VAC power. This would include electric resistant baseboard heating systems or radiant heating. The thermostats offered here are not suitable for use with direct line voltage heating.
Millivolt systems are often natural gas wall or floor heaters that do not use any electricity. Always check for millivolt compatibility.
Some thermostats need 24-volt power to be provided through a common-wire ("C-wire"). In some cases, a "C" wire is required, and in other cases it is only recommended. If a wire is attached to the "C" terminal behind the thermostat, you have a C-wire already installed. If a C-wire is not present, one can be installed, but professional installation is recommended.
Conventional one stage heating and cooling systems are either "on" or "off". Wi-Fi thermostats will work well with these systems.
Conventional two-stage systems have both low and high speeds. To tell if you have a 2-stage system, if the wiring behind your thermostat is attached to "y1" and "y2" terminals, you have a one-stage system. If the wiring is attached to "w1" and "w2" terminals, you have a multi-stage system. Most Wi-Fi enabled thermostats are compatible with two-stage systems.
Compatibility with heat pump systems that have auxiliary heat will vary by model.
Sometimes dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and energy or heat recovery ventilation systems that must also be controlled by a smart thermostat. The ability of smart thermostats to control these other systems will vary by brand and model. Often professional installation is recommended in these situations.
If unsure about compatibility, online compatibility checkers are available on many of the product pages, or consult with a qualified HVAC professional.
These devices allow your home to become smarter, often allowing you to communicate with the smart thermostat in new and innovative ways.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, for instant, allow you to change the temperature by talking, instead of having to use your smart phone or walk over to the smart thermostat. These usually require having an Amazon or Google device in your house, though some smart thermostats allow for voice control without integration with a third-party device.
Apple HomeKit, Wink, and Samsung SmartThings are hubs that facilitate the control of numerous devices from different brands using a common interface, including lights, thermostats, and appliances.
Honeywell T5
Honeywell 9000
Honeywell Lyric
LuxPro Geo
Nest E
Nest Learning
1 Stage Heat and Cool
Yes
2 Stage Heat and Cool
No
Heat Pump w Aux Heat
Direct Line Voltage
Millivolt
Yes (Gas)
C-Wire Required
Recommended
Humidifiers
Dehumidifiers
Ventilators
Amazon Alexa Compatible
Google Assistant Compatible
Apple HomeKit Compatible
Wink Compatible
Samsung SmartThings
ENERGY STAR
Incl. Remote Sensor
Reminders/Alerts
Learning
Proximity Sensing
Warranty
2 Years
3 Years
1 Year
Smart Lighting
Smart bulbs aren't your average bulbs. They can do so much more! They can be scheduled and controlled from anywhere. You can even turn them on and off with your voice. They dim, they change color, and they help you save energy.
Convenient
Smart lighting gives you the flexibility to change the color, brightness, and ambiance of your lighting to suit your mood or activity. Whether you're reading, relaxing, exercising, or socializing, you can adjust your lighting to meet your needs.
Efficient
Smart lighting is not just cool, it also helps you save energy. Many smart lighting systems include energy-efficient, long-lasting LED bulbs. Remote phone access, sensors, and timers also help to reduce energy consumption.
Security Cameras
Smart security cameras are the ultimate security solution, allowing you to keep an eye on home at all times. They use advanced video and audio to capture every detail, send alerts to your phone if activity is detected, and have an app that lets you access live and surveillance from anywhere.
Indoor and Outdoor Cameras for Every Need
Surveillance may be about the serious business of keeping a watchful eye on your home, but can also be a simple solution for checking in on pets or loved ones while you're away. Regardless of your needs, both indoor and outdoor smart security cameras offer wireless connectivity and remote access. Built-in microphones and sensors are used to detect activity, and if something occurs, you get an alert sent to your phone right away.
Both our indoor and outdoor security cameras share the following features:
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are loaded with features that make it easy to save energy and money. They eliminate confusing programming, adapt to your preferred heating and cooling schedule, can be controlled from anywhere using a smart phone, and so much more.
Smart thermostats are a simple solution to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home, monitoring energy to reduce unnecessary energy use, and share the following features:
Not sure yet? Visit our Smart Thermostat Buyers Guide
Home Assistants
Home assistants (or smart speakers) connect to your smart home devices so you can control them with the sound of your voice. They also play music, provide answers from Google, and give you hands free help around the house. For example, you can ask your home assistant to turn the thermostat up, play your favorite playlist, or what time the pharmacy opens.
Voice-activated smart speakers have Google Assistant built in and simply your everyday life. Whenever you need hands free help, simply say "OK Google" to get answers, tackle your day, enjoy your entertainment, and control your smart home. Smart speakers come in a variety of sizes, all sharing the following features and benefits:
Disclaimer: The content presented on this page was prepared by the individual(s) listed below, and does not necessarily refect the views of the company or companies utilizing this site.
Contributor: Al Nadeau, September 13, 2024
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