Setting up a smart home can be overwhelming if you're new to it. With the ability to control various devices through voice commands, smart homes in Omaha have transformed daily living. From adjusting the lights and thermostat to closing the garage door and playing music, the possibilities are endless. However, it's important to familiarize yourself with the setup process to make the most of this technology.

To quickly get up to speed and start enjoying the benefits of a smart home, follow these simple steps.

1. Is Your Internet Fast Enough?

Before investing in smart home devices, it is crucial to ensure that your internet connection is capable of supporting them. A reliable internet connection with a high data cap, or no data cap at all, is necessary in order to fully utilize the potential of a smart home.

When you have multiple smart devices connected to your network, the total bandwidth usage can increase significantly, especially if you are streaming video or performing other data-intensive tasks simultaneously.

2. Give Your Home a Voice

When considering purchasing gear for your Omaha home, it is important to determine if you want a smart assistant to help control it all. Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, and Google's Assistant are all excellent options, each with their own strengths. However, it is worth noting that the smart devices they integrate with for voice control can vary significantly. This means that you may need to choose your devices based on their compatibility with a specific assistant.

Alexa

Alexa has the most integrations among all the assistants, making it the top choice for voice control of your smart home. It is available on smartphones as well as the Amazon Echo line of devices.

Siri

Siri, among the three voice assistants, has the fewest integrations and is limited to Apple devices only. It is generally considered the worst of the three as a voice assistant. However, Siri is best suited for those who are heavily invested in Apple's systems. It is available on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and HomePod speakers.

Assistant

Google Assistant is positioned between Alexa and Siri, offering a smaller number of integrations compared to Alexa. However, it excels as a digital assistant for answering questions due to Google's impressive machine learning capabilities. Additionally, Google Assistant is available on various platforms, including the Google Home smart speakers.

3. Start Adding Your Devices

When choosing the right assistant, it's important to consider compatible devices. For smart home beginners, popular options include smart thermostats, video doorbells, and smart lighting.

Smart Thermostats

Thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat provide several benefits:

  • The system adapts to your preferences, minimizing the need for adjustments on your part.
  • The Nest thermostat is highly energy efficient, allowing it to pay for itself in energy savings within approximately two years. After that, all the savings go straight into your pocket.
  • Controlling your devices remotely is now possible with just a smartphone. You have the power to adjust the temperature of your home before you even step foot inside.

Nest is highly regarded in the market due to its sleek design and excellent performance. It has gained significant attention and is often a topic of conversation. With its appealing aesthetics and impressive functionality, it is considered one of the top choices in the industry.

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells are a popular choice for homeowners. They allow you to see and communicate with visitors without leaving your seat, even when you're away from home. Additionally, they serve as an effective deterrent against package theft, a growing concern. Ring is a highly recommended brand for video doorbells.

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting, such as the Philips Hue, is a popular choice due to its smartphone control and automation features. In addition to this convenience, smart lighting offers a wide range of colors, allowing users to set the perfect mood. The ability to customize the color and color temperature is truly remarkable. Furthermore, these bulbs have a long lifespan and consume minimal power, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

There are countless smart home options available, with new ones constantly being added. However, the following list will provide you with a dependable and secure starting point. So, what are you waiting for? Take action now and begin experiencing the advantages of a connected home.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!