When my neighbor Joe in Wrightwood asked me if a smart doorbell would work with his spotty internet, it kicked off a conversation I’ve had more than a few times around the Tri-Community.
For many folks, the phrase “smart home” brings to mind a high-tech setup worthy of a science fiction movie, with voice-controlled lights, robot vacuums, and fridges that order your groceries. However, in the Tri-Community, many may not be looking for futuristic gadgets. They may be wondering whether a bit of simple tech makes life a little easier or safer, say, seeing who’s coming down the driveway or at their doorstep.
The good news is, yes, it can. And no, you don’t need to turn your home into the Jetsons’ house to get started.
A “smart home” simply refers to a home where some devices connect to the internet and can be controlled remotely, usually from your phone. That’s it. The benefit is convenience, and the options are wide-ranging. Some folks start with a smart plug, which allows you to turn a lamp or appliance on and off from your phone or other device. Others try a video doorbell to see who’s outside, even when they’re not home. A smart thermostat can help manage heating and cooling more efficiently, while a smart garage door opener lets you check whether you left it open and close it remotely if needed.
These devices aren’t just for big-city condos. They work in rural homes, cabins, trailers, and anywhere else with a decent internet connection. The key is not to get overwhelmed by the options but to choose one or two that solve a real-world problem for your home.
Around here, those problems are familiar. We deal with unreliable cell service, power outages during windstorms, and long distances between neighbors. Smart devices can offer convenience, safety, and peace of mind, especially for seniors, part-time residents, and caregivers.
Being able to check a front camera or turn off the heater without getting out of bed is a big deal for many seniors. Remote access to security cameras or door locks offers reassurance for snowbirds or weekenders. As Joe put it after trying out his first smart plug: “I didn’t need a smart house. I just needed a way to turn on the porch light without getting up.” I suppose the “clapper” could be utilized; that’s some 20th-century 1980s technology for you, “Clap on, clap off!” But things have changed in the 21st century. We’re all wearing two-way radio wristwatches, ala Dick Tracy and have Star Trek Tricorders in our pockets.
If you’re considering dipping your toe into smart home technology, the first thing to remember is to start small. Focus on one thing you’d like to improve. Maybe controlling a light, checking your door, or adjusting the temperature. Don’t try to do everything at once.
Next, make sure your home Wi-Fi reaches the spot where the device will go. That might be a porch, garage, or hallway. If the signal is weak, the device may not work reliably. Most smart devices come with their own app, which you’ll need to download on your phone to begin setup. That app walks you through connecting the device to your Wi-Fi and customizing how it works.
The initial setup is often the most confusing. The installation itself is usually simple, but connecting the device to your network and syncing it to your phone can take a few steps. Be patient, and keep your Wi-Fi password handy. If you hit a snag, don’t hesitate to ask for help. A tech-savvy friend, a grandchild, or even a short YouTube video can walk you through most issues. Once setup is complete, most devices work seamlessly in the background.
Many modern phones include a built-in smart home app. Apple devices use the Home app (also known as HomeKit), while Android users might try Google Home. Amazon also offers the Alexa app, which works across many device brands. These apps let you control your smart gadgets from one central place, rather than jumping between separate apps for each device. They’re especially helpful once you have more than one smart device.
It’s worth noting that voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant only work after a device has been properly set up and added to your smart home app. Asking Siri to “turn on the hallway light” won’t do much unless you’ve already connected a compatible smart bulb and told your system what to call it. Voice control is convenient but always the final step, not the first.
The takeaway here is simple: smart home tech doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or overwhelming. One thoughtfully chosen device—a camera, a plug, a lock—can bring real value to your daily life. And for many folks, that’s more than enough.
Got a tech question? I’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected] with the subject line “Ask a Neighbor” and we might feature your question in an upcoming column.
