Anyone dabbling in home automation is bound to be excited about the technology. Many people fantasize about a home that provides them with comfort, security, and convenience through the use of modern technology.
However, we have to keep in mind that home automation is still relatively new technology, and adopting it carelessly could mean that it could potentially create more problems than it solves. Whether you’re building a smart home, or you’re planning to convert your existing home into one, here are some mistakes that you need to be wary of.
Upgrading to 5G Without Checking Product Compatibility
While 5G is definitely an upgrade, the problem with switching to 5G without checking product compatibility is that you could render a good number of your home automation components useless. Always check the compatibility of your smart devices, as most budget smart devices run only on a 2.4GHz frequency. This is especially dangerous if these devices are directly involved in your home’s security.
Buying Too Many Items Too Quickly
The danger with buying too many smart devices too quickly is that buyers often forget to consider how these items fit in their lifestyle. Nobody wants to spend money for an item only to find that they never really needed it to begin with. Before buying a smart device, it’s important to first determine if it has a definite use in your home and if its feature set addresses a problem effectively.
Forgetting to Set a Budget
Reliable smart devices aren’t cheap. If you forget to set a budget, it’s likely that you’ll end up spending more than necessary on smart devices, especially when we consider the fact that most smart device buyers are often first-time smart home owners. Determine a budget, and stick to it.
Neglecting Cybersecurity
Smart devices are inherently vulnerable to hacking attempts. By adding more devices to your network, you are also adding more potential points of ingress for hackers. While having a hacker gain access to your smart washing machine doesn’t exactly strike most people as dangerous, the real danger is when the hacker is able to access sensitive information such as login details for payment portals, or credit card information. Always ensure that your smart devices use TFA and that their systems are regularly updated.
Overlooking Product Longevity
Early adopters tend to make this mistake. While it’s okay to have the latest and greatest iterations of technology, first-gen products tend to have many flaws as manufacturers have yet to perfect their design. It’s important to keep in mind that these products are rarely good for the long-term. Before investing in a particular piece of tech, it’s important to first determine if it has withstood the test of time.
Ignoring How the Tech Affects Other Members of the Household
Not every member of your household will be familiar with home automation tech. It’s important to consider how home automation tech can affect them as well. For some people, having a physical light switch may be more convenient than using voice commands to control lighting. Make sure to take the time to discuss the use and function of smart devices with your family before having them installed in your home.
Installing Incompatible Tech
Smart devices should be able to work together for users to reap the benefits of a smart home. This is why it’s important to buy only from reputable brands and to ensure that every smart device in your lineup is compatible with your current system. You may even want to consider working with Custom Home Automation experts to ensure that everything is compatible, reliable, and properly installed.
Overlapping Automation
Automation overlaps occur when a single device is engaged by multiple conditions. This can cause your device to behave unexpectedly. A general rule when it comes to automations is that all active automations must be unique. This entails that smarthome owners need to review their automations regularly and remove duplicate automations and those that are rarely ever used. It’s also highly recommended that you keep a log of active automations to help make it easier to troubleshoot your device later on.
Smart devices are undoubtedly the future. However, much like any new technology, it’s important to plan their implementation properly, and to take a smart approach when building a smart home. Remember to avoid these mistakes and to correct them immediately should you commit them.