Now, you have automated your home. Some systems and items are prefabricated, and a specialist has installed them already. Other systems are built by you with the application of a couple of actuators purchased from a reliable actuator provider such as Progressive Automations or any other.
However, your joy hasn’t lasted long. Home automation isn’t that amazing when something fails or simply doesn’t work as expected. Here are the common issues that you might face and solutions.
Sub Systems Do not Want to Integrate
Your smart systems simply do not want to integrate. Security cameras are unresponsive, the heating unit seems to live its own life, entertainment systems do not work.
It happens when you have installed and set up your smart devices on your own. Another option is if you asked a neighbour or any other non-specialist to do so. The smallest error can make your entire system or separate devices not work as they should. Or the devices might be incompatible with one another.
The solution? Call a specialist, preferably from a company where you have ordered the devices. Alone, you can make even more trouble.
For the future, choose the devices either of the same brand or of the brands that integrate smoothly. Check reviews online, talk to a company representative, consult with an independent specialist but make sure you are buying devices that can work as a system.
Too Many Apps to Control Your Devices
The good thing is that now, you can buy whatever devices you want: any design, colour, functionality – everything is available. The bad thing is, however, that many people just purchase whatever they like without integrating the devices properly. So, multiple smart items operate without any central point.
Here, we have one piece of advice. Many smart devices can be controlled only with the app of the manufacturing company. So, by purchasing and installing devices produced by different manufacturers, you have no other option but to install many control apps on your smartphone. Your device ends up cluttered with different apps which inhibits not only the control of the mentioned devices but the operation of the smartphone.
In such a case, there are two options:
- To use smart devices of one manufacturer;
- To set up a single control point for all your smart devices and systems.
The best way is to ask your home automation specialist to develop a master plan for your home automation. Only after then, you can start implementing the master plan by purchasing and setting up the devices that won’t interfere with the operation of one another. If you have a functioning system, consult with a specialist before purchasing and integrating a new device.
A Smart Device Doesn’t Connect to the Network
Connectivity issues are common when it comes to automation. These problems can be not only annoying but disruptive. What if your security cameras stop working while you are far away from your home? Or what if your smart lights go off in the middle of a party?
The good thing is that connectivity issues are among the easiest ones to fix.
The first thing we recommend is to upgrade your router to a newer version. You can request one from your internet provider. But even if a newer device version isn’t available, you can purchase one in a store. In the very end, the functionality of your home and your comfort depends on it.
If your accommodation is big, consider setting up mesh networking. Then, you can count on consistent connectivity in all corners of your home.
A Smart Device Activates Erroneously
If you have been using smart devices for a while, we bet you know how one feels when a security camera or sensor activates because a dog passed by. It can be not just bothering but sometimes, it might pose serious security issues.
This issue is easy to prevent though. Don’t forget about such features as human recognition. Ensure you activate the features that make your security devices alert you only when a stranger crosses a specific border. If you can afford to purchase a camera powered by AI, get it. Then, you can even get zoomed in videos recorded and sent to your smartphone in real-time mode.
Bottom Line
Your smart automation is here to improve the quality of your life, not to deteriorate it. It takes some planning and a smart approach to set up your smart devices to make them work as a system and avoid interruptions and failures. So, take your time. If you see that things don’t work out as you expect, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Call a specialist – a representative of a company that has produced and sold you the items. Finally, use the items of the same brand or compatible brands to ensure their smooth integration. Then, your home will pay you with top comfort and security level.
Author:
Hayley Mann is a technology enthusiast specializing in automation methods of ergonomics devices. Her engineering background helps her to create interesting articles on technical topics, making them understandable for all readers.
