If you are away from your home at times and you want to stay connected to your home, then you may want to add WiFi smart devices.
The smart house requires that you have home internet service ($50/mo (100 Mbps minimum)). The smart house also requires that you have a smart phone.
The following WiFi devices are recommended for the smart house:
- WiFi Security Cameras and Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights
- WiFi Doorbell
- WiFi Thermostat
- WiFi Smoke Alarm
- WiFi Oil Tank Fuel Level Sensor
Security Cameras: Buy indoor and/or outdoor cameras. These cameras need to cover home entry doors and windows. I prefer indoor cameras because indoor cameras may be able to use a 5G WiFi connection (outdoor cameras use a 2G WiFi signal). Also, indoor cameras can be easily relocated. Be aware, the WiFi camera’s infrared source which is used for night vision is reflected off the window glass. Indoor cameras aimed though a window will require that the infrared sensor be disabled and that motion sensitive lights are mounted outside to highlight the night activity.
Alternatively, weatherproof outdoor cameras can be used with their infrared night vision. Cameras require a subscription cloud service ($50/yr) or an SD micro memory card ($17 for 64 GB) for archiving the video recordings. Most homes require two cameras. One camera is located at the front of the house while the other camera monitors the back of the house. Set up the phone camera app to provide notifications when motion is detected. There are many home cameras available at Amazon or Home Depot ranging from $19 to hundreds of dollars. My favorite cameras are made by Topo (TP-Link), Wyze and Blink. To connect the camera to your home WiFi follow the camera instructions.
Doorbell: A WiFi doorbell is required to communicate with visitors while you’re away from home via your cell phone. In most cases you will replace your existing doorbell with the WiFi doorbell (except for new home construction). Follow the doorbell instructions to connect to your home WiFi. Set up the doorbell phone app to provide notifications when someone rings the doorbell. The doorbell has a camera so you can see the person at your door. It also has a microphone and speaker so you can communicate with the person at the door. Doorbells require a subscription cloud service ($50/yr) or a SD micro memory card ($17 for 64 GB) for archiving the video recordings. There are many doorbells available at Amazon or Home Depot ranging from $29 to hundreds of dollars. My favorite WiFi doorbell is made by Ring.
Thermostat: A WiFi thermostat is required to adjust the home temperature while you’re away. In most cases you will replace your existing thermostat with the WiFi thermostat. Follow the thermostat instructions to connect to your home WiFi. Setup the thermostat phone app to provide notifications when something changes with your heating/cooling system. There are many WiFi thermostats available at Amazon or Home Depot ranging from $29 to hundreds of dollars. My favorite WiFi thermostat is made by Honeywell.
Smoke Alarm: A WiFi smoke alarm is required to provide smoke notification while you’re away. In most cases you will replace your existing smoke alarm with the WiFi smoke alarm. Follow the smoke alarm instructions to connect to your home WiFi. Set up the smoke alarm app to provide notifications when smoke is detected in your home while you’re away, there are many WiFi smoke alarms available at Amazon or Home Depot ranging from $39 to hundreds of dollars. My favorite WiFi smoke alarm is made by Google Nest.
Oil Tank Fuel Level Sensor: An oil tank fuel level sensor is required to monitor your heating oil supply while you’re away. In most cases the oil level sensor can be added to the oil tank without modifications. Follow the oil tank sensor instructions to connect to your home WiFi. Setup the oil tank sensor app to provide notifications when the oil level is low while you’re away. WiFi oil level sensors are available at Amazon or Home Depot ranging from $99 to hundreds of dollars. My favorite oil tank level sensor is made by Smart Oil Gauge ($149).
Be aware, if you lose power or WiFi service, then you won’t be able to monitor your smart devices.
Good luck!