Smart devices are now very commonly available in the US market. You can easily find smart devices and appliances in almost every other household across the United States, whether it is a smart speaker or a whole smart sprinkler system. These devices bring with them the smart technology that allows for remote access, convenience, and security – essentially turning your house into a Smart Home.
What is it about smart devices that make them better than their ordinary counterparts? Here is what: the technology itself, the energy-saving feature, and the reduced billing. So how does that work?
Smart devices boast smart tech – that means features like automation, remote access via mobile devices, and even motion detection. Further features are broken down into what the device itself can do; like facial recognition and real-time notifications with smart cameras. Smart devices are also meant to be green, i.e. eco-friendly. With devices like smart sprinklers, smart thermostats, and smart lights, you can cut back on energy and water usage with the help of smart technology, and in the long term enjoy lower utility bills. It’s a win-win situation.
How to Install Smart Home Devices
So when it comes to installing smart devices, is it easy or not? Some smart devices are wireless (battery operated), thus there is no need to really install anything. Instead, they just need to be configured from their mobile apps – unless it involves connecting them to a central hub in which case that hub needs to be set up as well. For other wired smart devices, like wired smoke detectors and smart thermostats, there is a DIY way to install them. But considering they involve electrical wires, you should keep a professional’s number handy.
DIY: Installing Smart Smoke Detectors
Doing a DIY replacement of smart smoke detectors is pretty easy. You can get your device installed, set up, and working within minutes! Here’s what you’ll have to do.
- Considering wired smoke detectors involve electrical wiring, you must first shut off the power to the outlet from the main circuit breaker.
- Next you must take off the old smoke detector. Turn the device clockwise or anti-clockwise as suggested on the device, or gently pull the device off of its mounting plate to detach the device.
- Disconnect the wires from the smoke detector and remove the mounting plate.
- The next step is where you begin to install your new smart smoke detector. Mark the markings where the new mounting plate will have to be placed.
- Screw in the mounting plate of your smart smoke detector.
- Connect the wires to the ports behind the smart smoke detector.
- Once the wiring has been connected, place the device into the mounting plate by gently pushing it in so the mount holds.
- When the device is placed into its mount, it’s time to go turn the power back on to the outlet.
- Configure your smart smoke detector from its mobile app, and your device is ready to work!
DIY: Installing a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are also quite simple to install DIY style if you follow the instructions to the point. But like all wired devices, there is electricity involved so if you feel this isn’t a task you are up to, best to call in a professional or someone who knows their way around wires.
Here’s how you can install a smart thermostat on your own.
- To disconnect your old thermostat you must first turn off the power to the device from the main home circuit breaker.
- Once the power is off, remove the device from its mounting plate off the wall and disconnect the wiring carefully.
- Remove the old device’s mounting plate to place the new one.
- Mark the points where the mounting plate for where your new smart thermostat will have to be placed.
- Screw in the mounting plate and once it is in, gently take out the wiring from between the opening in the plate.
- Connect the wires to the smart thermostat in their right ports.
- Once the wires are connected it is time to place the device into the mounting plate.
- When the device is set on the wall, it’s time to turn the power back on to the thermostat outlet.
- Switch on your device from the power button and configure the device from its mobile app.
- Your new smart thermostat is ready to work its magic!
Is It Always That Easy
Installing wired smart devices like smart thermostats and smart smoke detectors, or even smart garage door locks can be tricky for quite a lot of people. If you are someone that’s good with handy work around the house then it shouldn’t be much of a problem. Otherwise, it’s always wise to call in a professional. Better to stay safe and to protect your smart device from any potential damage before it even started working. Remember, smart devices aren’t cheap!
