Smart Ideas for Your New Home

Hello, Congrats on building a new home. As someone who has built his own smart home, I would recommend the following based on my usage. Must-Have Smart Home Devices

When setting up your smart home, consider these essential devices:

• Smart Thermostats: These help control temperature and save energy. For example, Wozart's Universal IR can enable control of AC temperature using an app and voice.

• Smart Lighting: Automated lighting systems can enhance the ambience and help you change the room lighting based on your liking. Use Lights for dimming and color control and set up Scenes such as Movie Time, Good Night and make the room as you like.

• Home Security Systems: Include smart cameras and door locks for enhanced security. If you are an Apple User I would recommend Yale and Aqara for their integration with Apple Home or else go for Tp-Link or Qubo for low cost.

• Smart Speakers: Use devices like HomePod or Google Home to control your smart devices with voice commands.

• Smart Plugs and Switches: These allow remote control and scheduling of appliances, making your home more efficient.
  

Best Ecosystems

Choose an ecosystem that fits your needs:

• Google Home: Integrates well with Google services and many smart devices.

• Apple HomeKit: If you are deep in the Apple Ecosystem, use an iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch etc; I highly recommend Apple Home for its deep and secure integration.

• Alexa: Known for extensive compatibility and robust voice assistant capabilities.

• Home Assistant: An open-source platform that integrates devices from various manufacturers, offering local control and privacy. It supports over 1,000 integrations and can work with existing ecosystems like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa
  

Home Automation for Energy Efficiency

For energy efficiency, focus on:

• Smart Thermostats: Adjust heating and cooling based on occupancy and schedules. Use Presence Sensor Based and Geo-location automation

• Smart Lighting and Plugs: Use LED bulbs and automate appliance usage to reduce waste.

• Energy Monitoring Systems: Track energy usage to identify areas for improvement.

  
  

Automated Window Blinds and Locks

• Automated Window Blinds: Worth considering for controlling natural light and privacy. They can be integrated with smart home systems to adjust based on the time of day.

• Smart Locks: Highly recommended for keyless entry and remote access control.
  

Advice on Wiring and Setup During Construction

During construction, consider these tips:

• Install Cat6 Cables: Ensure reliable internet connectivity in every room. Use Mesh Routers for better management and coverage.

• Power Outlets Near Windows: Useful for powered blinds or Curtains.

• Deep Electrical Boxes: Accommodate future smart devices.

• PoE Cables: Install for security cameras and Wi-Fi Access points.

• Designate a Server Room: Allocate space for routers and servers.
  

By doing the above, you'll create a convenient and efficient smart home. Hope it helps.

Yes, Wozart smart home devices can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world. As long as your devices are connected to the internet, you can use the Wozart app on your smartphone to monitor and control your home—whether it’s adjusting the lighting, or setting the perfect temperature. Our solutions are designed for seamless remote access, giving you complete control and peace of mind while traveling.

Zigbee devices are generally cheaper than Wi-Fi smart home products due to differences in hardware complexity, power requirements, and ecosystem design. However, the lower upfront cost of Zigbee devices often comes with tradeoffs related to hidden expenses, setup complexity, and compatibility. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Smaller Chips – Zigbee devices don’t need big, powerful chips like Wi-Fi ones. They just do simple tasks like turning lights on and off, so they cost less to make.

• No Extra Fees – Wi-Fi devices have to follow special rules and pay fees to be used. Zigbee devices don’t, which saves money.

• Uses Less Power – Zigbee devices don’t need much power, so small batteries last a long time. Wi-Fi devices need bigger, more expensive batteries or to be plugged in.
  

The Hidden Costs of Zigbee

• Needs a Hub – Zigbee devices can’t talk to your Wi-Fi router directly. They need a special hub to work, which costs extra. Wi-Fi devices just connect on their own.

• Not Always Compatible – Not all Zigbee devices work with all Zigbee hubs. Some might not connect properly. Wi-Fi devices usually work with any smart home system like Alexa or Google Home.

• Shorter Range – Zigbee devices need to be close to each other (about 30 feet apart) to work well. If your house is big, you might need extra devices to help them talk to each other. Wi-Fi devices just use your home’s router, which might already cover everything.

• Might Not Last Forever – A new smart home technology (Matter/Thread) is coming, and it could replace Zigbee in the future.

  
  

When Zigbee is a Good Choice

• Lots of Smart Devices – If your home has 30+ smart gadgets, Zigbee helps them work together without slowing down Wi-Fi.

• Battery-Powered Gadgets – Things like motion sensors and smart buttons work better with Zigbee because the batteries last a long time.

  
  

The Main Idea

Zigbee is cheaper and great for homes with lots of battery-powered smart devices, but it needs a hub and careful setup. Wi-Fi is easier to use but can be more expensive and may slow down your internet.

Key Takeaway

Zigbee is cost-effective for large, battery-heavy setups but requires a hub and careful device/hub pairing.Wi-Fi offers simplicity and direct cloud integration but risks higher per-device costs and Wi-Fi congestion.