Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common smart home questions.

Getting started

Do I need a hub?

It depends on your platform:

  • Yes: Home Assistant, Hubitat, SmartThings (for Zigbee/Z-Wave)
  • No: Google Home, Alexa (WiFi only)
  • Maybe: HomeKit (Apple device acts as hub)
What's the difference between WiFi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave?

WiFi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

  • ✅ No hub needed, fast, easy setup
  • ❌ Congests network, higher power usage

Zigbee

  • ✅ Mesh network, low power, reliable
  • ❌ Requires hub, 2.4GHz only

Z-Wave

  • ✅ No interference, very reliable, mesh
  • ❌ Requires hub, more expensive

Recommendation: Zigbee for most users (good balance)

How much does it cost to start?

Minimal ($100-200)

  • Budget smart speaker: $50
  • 2-3 smart bulbs: $30-60
  • Smart plug: $10-20

Recommended ($300-500)

  • Quality hub/speaker: $100-150
  • Starter kit (bulbs): $100
  • Smart plugs (3): $50
  • Motion sensor: $20-30
  • Smart outlet: $30
Which platform should I choose?

For beginners: Google Home or Alexa For Apple users: HomeKit For privacy: Home Assistant, Hubitat, or HomeKit For customization: Home Assistant For local control: Home Assistant or Hubitat For Samsung users: SmartThings

Devices

Can I mix brands?

Yes! Most platforms support multiple brands. Check compatibility first.

Tips:

  • Choose a standard (WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave)
  • Verify platform support
  • Read reviews for integration quality
  • Watch Matter devices for future compatibility, though the standard is still maturing
Do smart bulbs work with normal switches?

Smart Bulbs: Switch must stay ON (control via app/voice)

  • Pro: Cheap, easy to install
  • Con: Confusing for guests, switch must stay on

Smart Switches: Replace wall switch

  • Pro: Works like normal switch, controls any bulb
  • Con: Requires wiring, more expensive

Recommendation: Smart switches for fixed lights, smart bulbs for lamps

How long do batteries last?

Typical battery life:

  • Door/window sensors: 1-2 years
  • Motion sensors: 6-12 months
  • Smart locks: 6-12 months
  • Temperature sensors: 1-2 years

Use quality alkaline or lithium batteries for best results.

Are smart devices secure?

It depends:

  • ✅ Reputable brands with updates
  • ✅ Local control options
  • ✅ Strong passwords + 2FA
  • ❌ Cheap unknown brands
  • ❌ Cloud-only devices
  • ❌ Outdated firmware

Automation

What can I automate?

Common automations:

  • Lighting: Motion-based, schedule, presence
  • Climate: Temperature scheduling, away mode
  • Security: Arm/disarm, alerts, recording
  • Energy: Off when away, peak hour management
  • Convenience: Good morning, good night routines

Browse Automation Recipes →

Why isn't my automation working?

Troubleshooting checklist:

  1. ✅ Automation enabled?
  2. ✅ Conditions met? (time, presence, etc.)
  3. ✅ Devices online?
  4. ✅ Triggers configured correctly?
  5. ✅ Check logs for errors
  6. ✅ Test manually
How do I make automations reliable?

Best practices:

  • Use multiple trigger conditions
  • Add appropriate delays
  • Include fallback actions
  • Test edge cases
  • Keep it simple
  • Monitor performance
Can automations run without internet?

It depends:

  • Home Assistant: Yes (fully local)
  • Hubitat: Yes (fully local)
  • HomeKit: Yes (local hub)
  • SmartThings: Mostly yes (supports local execution for many automations)
  • Google Home/Alexa: No (requires cloud)

Network and technical

How many devices can I have?

Typical limits:

  • WiFi: 50-100 devices per router (varies)
  • Zigbee: 100+ devices (mesh network)
  • Z-Wave: 232 devices (protocol limit)

Router capacity matters most - upgrade if congested

Do I need a special router?

Not necessarily, but helpful:

  • ✅ Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
  • ✅ Supports many clients
  • ✅ Guest network capability
  • ✅ Good 2.4GHz range

Consider mesh WiFi for larger homes (250+ sqm)

What is VLAN and do I need it?

VLAN = Separate network segments

Benefits:

  • Isolate IoT devices
  • Better security
  • Network organization
  • Traffic management

Who needs it:

  • Advanced users
  • Security-conscious
  • Large deployments
  • Enterprise equipment

Beginners: Guest network is enough

My WiFi is slow. Is it my smart devices?

Possibly. Smart devices can congest 2.4GHz.

Solutions:

  1. Move computers/phones to 5GHz
  2. Use Zigbee instead of WiFi devices
  3. Upgrade router
  4. Reduce device polling
  5. Use wired connections where possible

Platform-specific

Can I switch platforms later?

Mostly yes, but:

  • ✅ WiFi devices: Usually compatible
  • ✅ Zigbee/Z-Wave: Need compatible hub
  • ⚠️ Platform-specific: May not work elsewhere

Minimize lock-in:

  • Choose open standards
  • Avoid cloud-only devices
  • Document setup
  • Watch Matter for future compatibility once the standard matures
What is Matter?

Matter = New universal smart home standard

Benefits:

  • Works across platforms
  • Local control
  • Better security
  • Future-proof

Status: Growing device support (2024+), but both the standard and devices are still maturing

Recommendation: Not yet recommended for most users. While Matter shows promise and progress is being made, wait for the ecosystem to mature before fully committing to Matter devices.

Do I need a subscription?

Usually no, but some features require it:

Free:

  • Basic automation
  • Local control
  • App access

Paid (optional):

  • Cloud video storage
  • Advanced analytics
  • Professional monitoring
  • Extended features

Examples:

  • Nest Aware (video history)
  • Ring Protect (video storage)
  • SmartThings Storage (extra space)

Troubleshooting

My device won't connect

Steps:

  1. Restart device (unplug 30 seconds)
  2. Restart hub/router
  3. Check WiFi signal strength
  4. Verify 2.4GHz network available
  5. Reset device and re-pair
  6. Update firmware
Devices keep disconnecting

Common causes:

  • Weak WiFi signal
  • Router overloaded
  • Interference
  • Firmware issues
  • Power problems

Solutions:

  • Add WiFi extender/mesh
  • Reduce device count per AP
  • Switch to Zigbee
  • Update firmware
  • Check power supply quality
Automation is slow

Causes:

  • Cloud processing
  • Network latency
  • Polling delay
  • Device response time

Solutions:

  • Use local processing
  • Reduce polling intervals
  • Optimize automations
  • Check device placement
  • Upgrade hub
How do I factory reset a device?

Varies by device, but common methods:

  • Press reset button 5-10 seconds
  • Power cycle 5 times rapidly
  • Hold button during power on
  • Check manual for specific steps

Note: Reset removes all pairing and configuration

Privacy and data

What data do smart devices collect?

Typical data:

  • Device usage patterns
  • Voice recordings (if enabled)
  • Video footage (cameras)
  • Sensor readings
  • Location (phone app)

Varies by brand - read privacy policies

How can I protect my privacy?

Best practices:

  1. Use local control platforms
  2. Disable analytics/telemetry
  3. Review camera placement
  4. Use separate IoT network
  5. Read privacy policies
  6. Avoid unnecessary features
  7. Regular security audits
Can companies access my data?

It depends:

  • Cloud devices: Yes (read terms)
  • Local devices: Usually no
  • Encryption: Reduces access

Most private: Home Assistant or Hubitat (fully local) Moderate: HomeKit (encrypted) Less private: Google, Amazon, cloud-based

Cost and value

Is it worth the investment?

Benefits:

  • Convenience and comfort
  • Energy savings (5-15%)
  • Security improvements
  • Home value increase
  • Accessibility features

Consider:

  • Your lifestyle needs
  • Technical comfort
  • Budget constraints
  • Long-term value
How much can I save on energy?

Potential savings:

  • Smart thermostat: 10-23% on heating/cooling
  • Smart lighting: 50-75% on lighting costs
  • Smart plugs: 5-10% by eliminating standby power

ROI timeline: Typically 2-5 years

Which devices save the most money?

Best ROI:

  1. Smart thermostat
  2. Smart power strips
  3. LED smart bulbs (if replacing incandescent)
  4. Energy monitoring plugs
  5. Smart irrigation

Not for savings:

  • Voice assistants
  • Smart locks
  • Cameras
  • Entertainment devices

Still have questions?