Making Dumb Things Smart Things With Smart Home Tech

Smart home technology has revolutionised how we interact with our living spaces. But what if you don’t want to replace your existing appliances? Fortunately, you don’t have to! By adding smart devices and creating simple automations, you can transform traditional “dumb” technology into smart, energy-efficient, and security-enhanced systems.

Smart Plugs and Dumb Appliances

Example: Control an Electric Heater with a Smart Plug and Smart Thermostat

How It Works:
- Plug the electric heater into a smart plug.
- Pair the smart plug with a smart thermostat.
- Create an automation that turns the heater on when the temperature drops below a certain point and off when it reaches the desired level.
Benefits:
- Prevent overheating and save energy.
- Enjoy a comfortable home environment without manual adjustments.
- Control your heater remotely via an app or voice assistant.

Tip: Use a smart plug with energy monitoring to track how much electricity the heater consumes.

Smart Bulbs for Traditional Light Fittings

Example: Upgrade Standard Light Bulbs to Smart Lighting

How It Works:
- Replace traditional bulbs with smart LED bulbs (Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Bluetooth).
- Pair the bulbs with a smart home hub or control them through an app.
- Automate lighting based on schedules, motion detection, or sunset/sunrise settings.
Benefits:
- Save energy by dimming or turning off lights automatically.
- Improve security by scheduling lights to simulate occupancy when you’re away.
- Customise lighting scenes and colours to create an atmosphere.

Tip: Use motion sensors in hallways or bathrooms to trigger lights when someone enters.

Smart Sensors and Old Security Systems

Example: Install Smart Motion and Smart Door Sensors

How It Works:
- Place smart door/window sensors on entry points.
- Install motion detectors in key areas.
- Connect the sensors to a smart hub that sends alerts or triggers smart lights and alarms.
Benefits:
- Get real-time notifications on your phone when activity is detected.
- Create automations where lights turn on if motion is detected at night.
- Integrate with smart cameras to record events automatically.

Tip: Use geofencing to arm/disarm the system when you leave or return home.

Smart Thermostats and Old Heating Systems

Example: Upgrade Manual Heating Control with a Smart Thermostat

How It Works:
- Install a smart thermostat that controls your boiler or heating system.
- Create schedules and automations based on occupancy or outside temperature.
- Pair with smart sensors in different rooms for zone-based heating.
Benefits:
- Save energy by reducing heating when no one is home.
- Enjoy precise temperature control for comfort and efficiency.
- Remote control via smartphone or voice assistants.

Tip: Use a thermostat with learning capabilities that adapts to your routines.

Smart Relays for Switches and Sockets

Example: Convert Traditional Wall Switches into Smart Switches

How It Works:
- Install a smart relay behind the existing wall switch.
- Control the connected lights or appliances via an app or voice command.
- Retain manual control while gaining smart functionality.
Benefits:
- Enable automation and remote control for existing fixtures.
- Save energy by creating schedules or motion-based triggers.

Tip: As an alternative to adding a smart relay behind a switch, consider using a smart fingerbot to physically push the switch

Automating Garage Doors and Gates

Example: Add Smart Control to Old Garage Doors

How It Works:
- Install a smart garage door controller that connects to the motor.
- Pair it with a smart home hub or app.
- Set automations to close the garage door after a certain period or when no one is home.
Benefits:
- Increase security by ensuring the garage door is never left open.
- Control and monitor the door remotely from anywhere.
- Receive notifications if the door is opened unexpectedly.

Tip: Use voice commands to open/close the garage door with Alexa or Google Assistant.

Smart IR Controllers for Old Remote-Controlled Devices

Example: Make an Old TV or Air Conditioner Smart

How It Works:
- Use a smart IR (infrared) controller that mimics your original remote.
- Pair it with the corresponding smart app.
- Create schedules or automate control based on time, temperature, or occupancy.
Benefits:
- Control older devices without replacing them.
- Enable remote access and smart assistant integration.
- Consolidate control of multiple devices in one app.

Tip: Set up “scenes” to automate TV, lights, and climate with one command.

Smart Water Leak Detection for Traditional Plumbing

Example: Monitor For Water Leaks and Prevent Floods

How It Works:
- Place smart water leak detectors near sinks, washing machines, and boilers.
- Set alerts to notify you immediately when a leak is detected.
- Connect with a smart shutoff valve to automatically stop water flow.
Benefits:
- Prevent costly water damage.
- Receive instant alerts for potential leaks.
- Peace of mind when away from home.

Tip: Use a smart valve that shuts off water automatically when a leak is detected.

Make a Garden Smart

There’s plenty of outdoor smart home tech that can make your garden smart

How It Works:
- Make outdoor lights smart by swapping dumb light bulbs with smart light bulbs.
- Stop manually turning your garden tap on to water your garden, use a smart irrigation water timer
- Make that mouse trap in your shed smart by connecting a vibration sensor, alerting you when the trap has gone off
- Replace outdoor motion sensors with smart ones. Use them to turn on smart lights when motion is detected or send an alert or trigger a smart alarm

There’s load of great garden and outdoor smart tech that can transform your outdoor spaces.

Why Upgrade Your Dumb Tech?

Save Money: Reduce energy waste with automated schedules and monitoring.
Improve Security: Enhance home security with smart alerts and motion-triggered lights.
Enhance Convenience: Control your devices remotely and create personalised routines.