A smart home can make daily routines easier, keep the house more secure and cut down on wasted energy. Two of the platforms we see most often are Apple’s HomeKit and Home Assistant. Both let you bring separate devices together into one system you can run from a single app.
Picking a platform
HomeKit suits Apple households. It works closely with iOS devices and the interface is easy to find your way around. Home Assistant is open source, supports a wide range of devices and gives you extensive scope to customise it. Which one you go with comes down to your own preferences and the devices you plan to use.
Start with lighting, heating and security
The basics are the sensible place to begin. Smart bulbs, thermostats and security cameras are all good first purchases. If you are going with HomeKit, look for the “Works with Apple HomeKit” label. If you are going with Home Assistant, check the device is compatible or that an integration is available for it.
Connecting devices and building scenes
You connect and control everything through the HomeKit app or the Home Assistant dashboard. Both are easy enough to manage. Group your devices by room, then set up scenes that control several at once. A “Good Morning” scene might turn on the lights, adjust the thermostat and open the blinds.
Setting up automations
Automations run actions when set conditions are met. In HomeKit you create them in the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. In Home Assistant you use the automation editor to define the triggers, conditions and actions. You might have the lights come on at sunset, or the thermostat adjust when you leave the house.
Voice control
Both platforms support voice control, so you can use Siri, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. A voice command can control one device, activate a scene, or tell you the status of the system.
Adding to it over time
Once you are comfortable with how the system works, add to it gradually. Smart locks, window sensors and doorbells all fit in, along with other home automation products. Both HomeKit and Home Assistant support a wide range of devices, so the system can grow with you.
Done well, a smart home takes care of routine jobs and keeps a closer eye on security. M&J Electrical Works installs and sets up smart home systems built around how you want yours to work.
