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Three Essential Questions to Ask
Before You Buy That Smart Device
Nov. 30, 2015 / By Chris Pilbeam
SMART LIVING
Are you shopping for your first smart home device today??
We're excited for you. You're about to enjoy a new technology that makes life better. Did you know it can save you almost $100 a month?
You should also know that there are two different ways of getting a smart home. You can ‘go it alone' and buy your devices at retail, or take the ‘do it for me' approach with a service provider.
Before you click any ‘Buy Now' buttons, ask yourself these three questions to ensure that you're on the right track.
1: Can you install smart home devices?
If you're going it alone with smart home technology, you'll need some knowhow. Installing a connected lightbulb is straightforward; a smart thermostat requires knowledge of wiring.
Once you've wired your device, you'll need to configure it too. This means connecting it to your home networking system, setting up the app, and troubleshooting any connectivity issues.
If you're confident in your ability, this can be a rewarding road to take. If this doesn't sound like you, professional installation by a smart home specialist may be a better option.
2: Do your smart devices speak the same language?
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When different smart devices can communicate with each other, they work together and do more. When they don't, it's a recipe for frustration and buyer's remorse.
The ‘do it for me' smart home comes with a smart home platform: a cloud software ‘brain' connected to your home via cellular signal, which co-ordinates your devices behind the scenes and ensures that every device speaks the same language.
This approach also gives you a single app to control every smart device, and a long life for your system, as new features are simply added through the cloud.
3: Do you want a full smart home now, or later?
If you want to outfit your home with multiple smart home devices, a smart home solution is the right option, giving you all of the advantages above in an easy, affordable package.
With this approach, the way you own your technology is different. You typically pay a modest upfront fee when you have your complete smart home installed, followed by a monthly subscription which spreads out the cost of your devices.
You also get technical support from the same local specialist whenever you need it—either remotely or via a home visit. No helplines, no taking devices back to the store; no fuss.