Smart Home Device Compatibility Guide

Smart Home Device Compatibility Guide

Perhaps you've visited a friend's home and loved how they could adjust the lighting and use voice assistants to easily manage their home. Or, you saw a friend use their phone to check the locks at home while at work.

Smart technology is fantastic and offers a wide range of features, but it can be intimidating trying to determine which devices are compatible. There's nothing worse than finding out that your brand new speakers for your TV do not work with your Google Assistant, right?

So, if you're looking for a bit of guidance on smart home device compatibility, let'sreview:

  • Your smart home goals
  • Top home automation products
  • Voice assistants
  • Security system integration

Whether you're new to smart home technology or you already have a system in place, we've got you covered. Let's get into it!


Want to speak with a home automation professional? Call Ackerman Security at 800.552.1111. Our trained experts will help you create the perfect smart system for your Atlanta home or business. You can also get a free quote online!


What Are Your Smart Home Goals?

To get the most out of your home's automation, smart home device compatibility is essential. If you have multiple smart devices, or you plan to purchase a bunch of them, getting them all to work together is crucial. Otherwise, it makes your smart home difficult to manage.

The key is gathering all of the compatible smart devices you have, and then ensuring you have a centralized platform to manage them all.

But first, consider what you want out of your smart home:

  • What types of devices do you want to install? (E.g. lighting, sound, thermostat)
  • Do you want to use a single voice assistant, or do you plan to use more than one?
  • Are you linking your security system with your home automation tools, or do you want to just link your electronics together?
  • What is your ultimate smart home automation goal? (E.g. comfort, safety, simplicity of use)

By knowing your main smart home priorities, it will be easier to narrow down which products take precedent, and how to create a cohesive system. Not all devices pair well together, which can make for a frustrating installation.

Rather skip the hassle and let the home automationpros handle everything for you? Contact Ackerman Security for a free consultation today. We'll review your smart home goals, and then help you create a system for complete control and convenience!

Top Home Automation Products

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to gain greater control over your home's comfort and energy bills.

Looking to control your energy consumption? Or better yet, have a device that reduces your energy costsforyou? Consider asmart thermostat.

Using a smartphone app, you can adjust the temperature from anywhere in the world. Turn up the AC as you head home from work on a hot summer day, or set back the temperature if no one is home, and you're looking to save on utility bills.

From convenience to energy efficiency, the benefits of a smart thermostat are plenty. Some smart thermostats will send you HVAC maintenance alerts, helping to avoid unexpected breakdowns or repairs!

Smart Lighting

One of the easiest ways to increase your home security is with automated lighting.

When motion is detected outside your home, exterior smart lightswill alert you on your app and, if there is also a camera installed, allow you to see who is there.

Smart lights can also deter criminals from approaching your home, as lights are a signal that you're paying close attention. In most cases, someone with bad intentions is likely to move on to another, easier target.

In addition to safety, interior smart lights can also help to reduce your electricity bills. Schedule your lights to come on and off at pre-set times, and save energy lighting your home onlywhen you're there to enjoy it!

Smart Locks

Ackerman provides state-of-the-art home security solutions, including automated smart door looks and keyless garage door systems.

Smart locksare also a critical investment for most smart homes. With a smart lock, you can unlock a door when you are sitting at your desk at work. Imagine if your son or daughter came home from school but forgot their key. You could easily unlock the door right from your desk.

At the same time, many people choose smart locks to help them ensure their home is safe. You can easily check the app to ensure you lock the front door on your way out. In some cases, you can even use these applications to ensure your garage door was shut too.

Home Automation

Home automation gives you the tools to manage all of these smart home components. You can use an app on your phone to link all of the automation tools, including thermostats, smart lights, video doorbells, garage door control, voice control, and much more.

The key here is to ensure that each one of the smart home devices you select works together through a centralized hub. When they do, you can control just about any feature of your home through an app. When all of these components work together, you can feel good that your home is within reach at just about any time. Whether you want to lock the doors, check the thermostat, or see who is ringing your bell without answering your door, there are many ways this can benefit you.

Voice Assistants

Voice Assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant take home automation to the next level.

They can work as asmart home hub, linking your smart devices together so you can control them in your app. You can turn them on, deactivate them, check for updates, and much more from your smartphone.

That being said, your voice assistant mustwork with each smart home device you plan to install, so checking compatibility here is key.

If you'd rather have the professionals handle it for you, give Ackerman a call today: 800.552.1111.

Security System Integration

Without a doubt, you need to ensure your security system is a part of your smart home. Home security is critical for protecting your home, and it can easily help you and your loved ones feel safer at home, 24/7.

The good news is that Ackerman's team can integrate your security system with your smart home hub. Whether you want smart lights, smart locks, video doorbells, and a comprehensive home security system, we'll design a custom set up that meets your needs and budget.

Ready To Install Smart Devices in Your Atlanta Home or Business? Ackerman Is Here To Help!

At Ackerman Security, we make smart device installations simple and stress-free. To speak with our home automation experts, call us today: 800.522.1111. We'll review the best smart thermostat for your needs and budget, including how to integrate it with other smart devices you may have installed. You can also schedule a free instant quote online!