Picture stepping into a home where lights turn on, blinds close and temperature changes with voice commands. This is what smart home technology is all about: convenience, energy efficiency, and automation. And what if we tell you that setting up smart home technology is easier than you think? We have compiled a step-by-step guide on how to create a smart home in the UAE.
From energy-saving thermostats to high-end security systems, our smart home Dubai installation guide covers it all. Scroll down to build your smart home, just the way you want.
- What Is a Smart Home?
- Pre-Installation Steps for Building Your Smart Home
- How to Create a Smart Home in the UAE
- Post-Installation Tips
- FAQs
What Is a Smart Home?
A smart home is equipped with energy-saving tech and AI-powered devices, all interconnected on a Wi-Fi network. With these devices, homeowners can control, regulate and monitor their smart home remotely using a mobile application.
Since the introduction of initiatives like Smart Dubai, the UAE has been at the forefront of a digital revolution. This continuous ongoing development outlines a progressive future for smart homes in Dubai and other Emirates.
From cutting down utility costs to automating tasks and providing top-notch security, the smart home devices guarantee a personalised living experience.
Pre-Installation Steps for Building Your Smart Home
‘How to create a smart home’ is a common question asked by most homeowners in the UAE. After all, smart homes reduce electricity bills by 20 to 30% and provide a comfortable living experience.
Creating a smart home for beginners is hassle-free with our step-by-step guide. Read ahead and learn the steps to build a smart home:
1. Identify Your Goals
First, identify your goals and objectives for building a smart home. It is a crucial step, as the device selection and installation are dependent on your goals. Ask yourself this question: What is your objective in building a smart home? Is it comfort, an eco-friendly lifestyle or better security?
If the goal is a comfortable lifestyle, you can automate tasks via smart thermostats, voice assistants and LED lighting. On the other hand, eco-conscious homeowners can install energy-saving devices, smart thermostats and smart plugs. Lastly, those seeking a secure living environment can install cameras and smart locks.
2. Budget Properly
While most homeowners are shifting towards smart home technology, the cost of setting it up can be significantly higher. You can avoid last-minute surprises by budgeting properly in advance.
Always start with basics, such as LED lights and thermostats. Once installed, proceed with further transformations as per your budget.
Additionally, you must factor in hidden costs when creating your budget. For instance, some smart home devices require weekly or monthly subscriptions.
3. Check Wi-Fi Connection
Before setting up a smart home, ensure you check Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your house. This is because smart home devices require a stable internet connection.
As a solution, you can use Mesh systems for a stable internet connection around your house. Popular options include Google Nest Wi-Fi and Netgear Orbi.
4. Consider a Compatible Ecosystem
Next, choose a compatible ecosystem to manage all your smart devices with a few taps, anywhere and anytime. Here are the popular options:
- Google Home: This is best for Android users and comes with a smart home technology app and Google Voice Assistant.
- Apple HomeKit: Ideal for Apple users, this ecosystem is known for its advanced security features. It is powered by the voice assistant Siri.
- Amazon Alexa: This highly popular ecosystem offers the voice assistant Alexa and a smart mobile app.
5. Opt for a Hub
For added convenience, you can opt for smart hubs, through which you can operate devices with a few taps or voice commands. With a centralised system, you can avoid the hassle of using multiple mobile applications.
6. Find Spaces for Installation of Smart Devices
Finally, identify spaces in your home where you can install smart devices. Remember, the right location depends on device usage and charging requirements.
How to Create a Smart Home in the UAE
Once the evaluation is done, it’s time to start setting up your dream home. Here is how to create a smart home step-by-step:
1. Choose Smart Home Lighting Systems
Save big on power usage with smart home lighting systems. By installing dimmable, colour-changing LED lights, you can set the overall mood for a space.
As these lights are directly connected to voice assistants and mobile apps, you can easily control them remotely. Choose from Philips Hue, LIFX or any other reputable smart lighting fixtures.
2. Install Smart Thermostats
According to DEWA’s smart living initiatives, homeowners should follow certain guidelines to reduce power usage. One of the most common smart home set-up ideas is to install thermostats. With this, homeowners can cut down 8-15% of their total electricity bill costs.
Smart thermostats can adjust room temperatures accordingly, reducing power usage and increasing energy efficiency. Popular options include Ecobee SmartThermostat and Google Nest Thermostat.
3. Buy Smart Curtains
Invest in smart curtains and operate them using a mobile app or voice assistant. Open the blinds during cool temperatures and keep them closed during warm temperatures. Choose from products like Aqara Curtain Driver and SwitchBot Curtain.
4. Buy Smart Speakers
The next step in ‘how to create a smart home’ is buying smart speakers. This is the main device that connects all other devices. With this, homeowners can control smart gadgets, set reminders, ask questions and automate processes. Choose speakers that are compatible with other devices, such as Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod and Google Nest.
5. Set Up Smart Plugs and Energy Monitors
Replace the usual outlets in your house with smart plugs and control appliances from anywhere. These smart home devices are ideal for people who juggle multiple responsibilities and often forget to turn off appliances.
Moreover, devices like Wemo Insights Switches and TP-Link Kasa even monitor energy usage. If there’s an increase in electricity bills, these devices recommend that homeowners turn off appliances not in use.
6. Install Smart Home Security Systems
Creating such a home also involves installing advanced smart home security systems. From smart locks and cameras to alarm systems and smoke detectors, every device enhances the house’s safety. With these devices, you can view live footage of your home, receive real-time notifications and learn about any suspicious activities.
Residents of Dubai can also opt for home security systems provided by the Dubai Police. It offers round-the-clock monitoring, real-time alerts and direct linkage to police. This is one crucial reason why Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world today.
7. Automate Repetitive Tasks
To top it all off, use your smart home system’s mobile application to automate repetitive tasks. Open the application, select devices such as a thermostat or lighting, create and name the scenes, configure settings and automate.
For instance, set the ‘Good Night’ scene to turn off lights and close blinds. Set the ‘Vacation Mode’ scene to turn off extra devices and regulate temperatures.
Post-Installation Tips
To avoid and resolve common troubleshooting issues, homeowners must follow these quick post-installation tips:
- Ensure a Strong Wi-Fi Connection: If you face internet connectivity issues, consider using a Wi-Fi mesh system and an up-to-date router for a stable connection.
- Keep Smart Devices Updated: Always update devices, check for errors and resolve them before the issue escalates.
- Monitor Battery Performance: Regularly monitor battery-powered devices to see if the battery needs replacement.
FAQs
Start by planning and budgeting, check the Wi-Fi network, choose a compatible ecosystem and install smart devices.
The total cost of basic to advanced smart home installation ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 500,000.
Now you know how to create a smart home in the UAE. Setting up a smart home isn’t just another renovation project – it’s your first step towards a comfortable, sustainable and secure lifestyle.
Go green and lead a sustainable lifestyle in Dubai’s smart cities, including Dubai South District and The Sustainable City.
