Smart Home Terminology: Definitions and Examples
The table below lists common smart home terms and a definition
Are Solar Powered Smart Devices Any Good
Using solar panels to power smart home devices appears to make a lot of sense, especially for outdoor use or where mains power isn’t easily accessible or changing batteries is inconvenient . But how well do they actually work in practice? Can solar keep devices running indefinitely? And how much sun do they really need?
How to Boost Outdoor Wi-Fi Signal for Smart Home Devices
A lot of outdoor smart home tech from irrigation timers to security cameras relies on a solid Wi-Fi connection. But once you step outside into a garden or outbuilding, signal strength often drops. Here’s how to fix that.
Outdoor Tap Threads: A Guide for Smart Garden Irrigation & Watering
When setting up a smart irrigation timer, make sure it matches your outdoor tap’s thread size. Adapters are available, but it’s easier and usually more reliable to choose a timer that fits your tap straight out of the box.
Outdoor Smart Tech Connectivity Using LoRa and LoRaWAN
If you’re researching wireless technology for smart home devices, especially outdoors you’ve likely seen the term LoRaWAN. It’s often mentioned alongside LoRa, but the two aren’t exactly the same. Understanding the difference can help you make better choices when buying devices for your home or garden.
The Smart Home Owner’s Guide to Moving House
Moving house is a major stress without having to think about all the smart devices you have connected. When you’ve got smart locks, bulbs, thermostats, and cameras involved, things can quickly get complicated. This guide helps you plan what to take, what to leave, and how to make the process smooth for both you and the next owner.
What is Home Automation
Home automation, often referred to as a “smart home,” involves using technology to control and automate various household systems and appliances. This includes lighting, heating, security, and entertainment systems. The common goal is to enhance home life, improve energy efficiency, and increase security by allowing homeowners to manage these systems remotely or automatically.
Using Smart Home Devices to Save Money with Octopus Energy
Dynamic energy tariffs like Octopus Tracker and Agile Octopus give you lower electricity prices when wholesale rates are low — but to really benefit, you need to time your usage. That’s where smart home devices can make a big difference. With a bit of automation and planning, you can shift your electricity use to cheaper times without changing your lifestyle.
Understanding the Role of WiFi in Smart Homes
In smart homes, WiFi can be used by devices like smart plugs, smart motion sensors, and thermostats to be controlled remotely and integrate with other smart home systems to run automations. However, not all smart devices use WiFi, some use WiFi indirectly and some don’t use WiFi at all.
Practical Guide To Buying & Installing Smart Water Timers And Smart Valve Controllers
This guide will help you understand the key features, connection options, and installation considerations for smart water timers and valves. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a plumbing expert to set up a smart automated watering system.