What Is a Smart Home?

Quick answer: A smart home is a home equipped with smart devices—internet-connected tools that automate tasks and can be controlled from anywhere with a smartphone.

Key takeaways

• A smart home is a connected ecosystem of smart devices that work together to automate everyday tasks, like adjusting the thermostat
• Benefits of a smart home include energy savings, remote control, automation, and increased home value
• Smart homes use Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Z-Wave to connect and communicate

A smart home is a group of programmable, connected Internet of Things (IoT, which is a network of fphysical devices that connect to the internet to share data) devices that use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee (a low-power wireless protocol for smart devices), or Z-Wave (a wireless communication protocol for home automation) technology for communication. You can remotely control these devices using a touch-screen control panel or smartphone.

If you’ve never thought about turning your home into a smart home, this guide will explain why you should consider it. We also explain how smart systems work and introduce you to some of the most popular types of smart devices on the market.

What are the benefits of a smart home?

Smart home technology is about more than making your home flashier and impressing your neighbors (although a sleek, smart home setup is sure to catch their attention).

Several advantages can come with giving your home smart functionality. In the next few segments, we cover some of the benefits of investing in a smart home setup.

• Energy savings. Smart devices like smart lighting and smart thermostats can reduce energy costs by 10-25%. With a smart home automation system you can set schedules, or you can let the smart devices intelligently detect occupancy to determine when to shut off your HVAC system to save you money.
• Remote lock management. A home security system with smart locks lets you control your locks from anywhere. Plus, you can assign family and visitors unique access codes, letting you see who is coming and going.
• Video security monitoring. Smart camera systems let you view security footage on your smartphone, receive notifications when unusual activity is detected, and even speak to people at home through two-way talk.
• Smart lighting control. Turn lights on and off in your home remotely, adjust brightness, or even change colors depending on what type of smart bulbs you have.
• Garage door automation. A smart garage door opener sends notifications if your door is left open, and it lets you open or close your garage door remotely.
• Increased home savings. Smart home devices can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers. Appraisers often value homes higher when they include smart technology.

How do smart homes work?

Smart homes work by connecting all your smart devices to a central hub or app. This allows them to communicate with each other, and it lets you control them remotely from your smartphone or through voice commands.

When you have a smart home, all your smart appliances can communicate with each other and work together. You can manage all your appliances using a single smart home hub, like a touch-screen control board, or a mobile device, like an Apple or Android phone.

You can use your smartphone to control your smart devices in real time from anywhere. This lets you do things like turn off your lights or shut your garage door while you’re on vacation. If your system has compatibility with voice assistant tools like Google Home, you can use voice commands to control your devices.

You can also program your smart home for automation. There are two ways to do this.

• Creating schedules: You can program smart appliances to work at specific times. For example, you could schedule your smart locks to lock automatically at 11 p.m. when you go to bed.
• Using If This, Then That (IFTTT) functions: You can program devices to perform actions in conjunction with other appliances in your system. For example, you might set a command for your security cameras to turn on whenever your outdoor motion detectors are activated.

You’ll need a Wi-Fi router and a reliable smart app to connect and control all of your smart tools. The Vivint smart app has an interface that makes interacting with all your smart devices a breeze.

What devices are used in smart homes?

There’s a huge array of smart devices that can help you do almost anything. Depending on their preferences, homeowners might have smart vacuums, washers, dryers, dishwashers, TVs, refrigerators, blinds, or coffee makers.

Whenever you buy smart home appliances, ensure they have connectivity with your greater smart home ecosystem. You can typically find out which smart systems a device works with on the box or company website.

Common smart home devices

Below, we list some of the most useful types of smart tools you should consider making part of your smart home system.

• Smart light bulbs: A smart lighting system lets you turn your lights on and off when you’re away. Some smart lights give you the ability to play with their brightness settings or change their colors. Vivint smart systems have integrations with ultra-quality Philips Hue smart bulbs.
• Smart thermostat: Thermostats with smart functions let you program when your HVAC system operates. For example, you can program your air conditioner to cool a room when it senses someone is there, so you don’t waste electricity.
• Security devices: Security cameras, smart locks, and motion sensors can help protect your home at all hours of the day. A smart home security system can send you notifications whenever it senses motion at your residence and let you view security footage from your cameras on your smartphone.
• Smart speakers: Smart speakers like Google Nest Audio can give you voice control of all your smart appliances. That way, you can operate your smart devices when your hands are full.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Connected smart emergency detectors can do things like activate all the alarm systems in your home when one detector senses danger or automatically contact the fire department when there’s an emergency.

Are smart devices safe?

The same technology that makes smart devices convenient can also make them susceptible to potential hacks. That’s why it’s wise to only use smart appliances from reliable companies like Vivint.

Vivint smart devices have security measures in place to protect your home from cybercriminals. Vivint also uses strong encryption to protect your data and won’t sell your information to third-party companies or use it to do things like create targeted ads.

How to start your smart home

If you're new to smart home technology, here are a few suggestions to set you up for success:

1. Start with a smart speaker or hub. This device serves as the central control point for your other devices, which you'll sync with the hub. Smart speakers allow for hands-free use with voice commands.
2. Add on smart devices. Start with high-impact items like a smart thermostat or smart lighting.
3. Check on your Wi-Fi. A strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential for smart home devices to work properly.
4. Choose compatible devices. Select products that work in the same ecosystem. With Vivint, every device is controlled from the same app for seamless integration. That means you don't have to juggle multiple apps on your phone—everything is controlled from one place.

Create the ultimate custom smart home system with Vivint

If you’re ready to improve your home’s functionality, security, comfort, and energy efficiency, Vivint can help you build a smart home network that meets all your needs. When you reach out to us, we’ll connect you with an expert who can help you choose the right gadgets for your ideal smart home setup.

We also offer professional installation on all our smart home products, so you know you’re getting the most out of your devices. And each of our smart solutions comes with an extended warranty, so you can rest assured our tools are built to last.

Contact us at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation today.

Frequently asked smart home questions

Still have questions about smart homes? Learn more here.

What is a smart home hub?

A smart home hub is a device that connects and controls all your other smart devices from one place. With a hub, different devices can communicate with each other. You can also control multiple devices through a single app or interface.

Do smart homes require Wi-Fi?

Yes, smart homes require Wi-Fi. Smart devices rely on Wi-Fi connection to function and communicate with each other. Some devices will use alternative protocols like Zigbee or Z-Wave.

How much does a smart home system cost?

Smart home system costs vary widely. Individual devices like a small smart speaker may cost less than $100, while a full-home system of smart devices can cost $1,000 or more with professional installation.

Can I install smart home devices myself?

Many standalone smart devices are designed for DIY installation. When choosing smart devices as part of a whole-home system, professional installation ensures optimal placement, configuration, and integration with other devices.

Are smart homes secure from hackers?

Smart homes can be secure from hackers when homeowners follow some basic safety recommendations. Only buy devices from reputable sources like Vivint, purchase devices with strong encryption, keep everything updated, and use strong passwords,

What's the difference between a smart home and home automation?

A smart home is a home that has a connected ecosystem of smart devices, like thermostats, lights, and smart speakers. Home automation describes how smart devices work without manual control based on schedules or predetermined conditions, like occupancy.