Old houses can also become smarter! A no-nonsense guide to smart home integration: from switches and sensors to energy management

Smart homes are not just for newly built houses

When they think of smart homes, many people think of the big project of burying pipelines and rewiring them, thinking that it is just for new houses. In fact, as wireless technology and products mature, a large number of apartments and old houses in Taipei and New Taipei are potential stocks for smart upgrades. You can use "progressive", "micro-destruction" or even "construction-free" methods to make your home safe and smart.

The key is: clarify the needs and choose the right technical path.

Step one: Start with "safety" and "energy saving", the most interesting thing

Instead of pursuing fancy situational lighting, smart old houses should prioritize solving pain points:
1. Security monitoring:Water leakage detection, electricity overload warning, abnormal gas shut-off, and home safety for the elderly.
2. Energy management: Understand the culprits of power consumption in your home and remotely turn off air conditioners and water heaters that you forgot to turn off.
3. Basic convenience: Turn off all lights with one click, switch on and off electrical appliances at scheduled times, and remotely control curtains.

Starting from these practical needs, not only the budget is easy to control, but the upgrade process is also more flexible.

No-knocking on the wall solution: Wireless technology solves the problem of old houses

Core: Selection of wireless communication protocols
The first priority in the renovation of old houses is "no wiring", so the product's wireless communication capability is the key. The current mainstream choices are:

• Wi-Fi device: The most common, directly connected to the router at home. The advantages are simple setup and low unit price (such as smart sockets). The disadvantage is that too many devices will slow down the network speed, and it will become inoperable if the network is disconnected. Suitable for small-scale, single-point use.
• Zigbee / Z-Wave device: Requires a gateway (Gateway, similar to a central brain). They form a low-power, low-latency wireless mesh network with high stability. Even if the Wi-Fi at home is disconnected, the local automation scene can still run. This is the recommended choice for medium to large smart home systems.

Practical Renovation Checklist (from Simple to Complex)

1. Smart Outlets: The simplest place to start. By plugging in traditional appliances (electric fans, dehumidifiers, kettles), you can use your mobile phone to schedule, remotely switch, or monitor power consumption. When choosing, pay attention to the rated power (above 10A/1100W at normal temperature).
2. Wireless smart switch: This type of switch does not need to be connected to the neutral wire (N wire). It can be directly pasted next to the original switch or on any wall, and uses wireless signals to control lamps or fans connected to smart sockets. The perfect solution to the problem of no neutral wire in the switch box of an old house.
3. Water and electricity safety sensor:
   • Water leakage sensor: Place it in the kitchen, bathroom, balcony floor or under the washing machine. Once water is detected, it will immediately push a mobile phone alarm. The smart water valve can be linked to automatically close.
   • Smart smoke/gas alarm: In addition to high-decibel local alarms, it can also be pushed to mobile phones in real time.
   • Power consumption monitoring solution: You can install a "smart meter" in the main switch box or use a clip-on sensor to monitor the entire household's power consumption in real time and identify standby power consumption monsters.
4. More advanced: Replacing the "smart circuit breaker": This requires a plumber to replace the traditional non-fuse circuit breaker (Breaker) in the distribution box with a smart model. The current and voltage of each circuit can be monitored directly from the mobile phone, and the power can be remotely cut off in case of abnormality (such as power overload, leakage). This is the highest level of security upgrade.

System integration and automation: Let devices talk to each other

A single device is just a remote control, the real wisdom lies in "linkage". You can set automation scenes through smart home platforms (such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or the device manufacturer's own App):

• "Away from Home Mode":Turn off all lights, non-essential appliances, and activate security sensors with one click.
• "Anti-leak scenario": When the water leakage sensor is triggered, the smart water valve will be automatically closed and a notification will be sent to you and the plumber.
• "Sleep Mode":At 11pm, automatically turn off the TV in the living room, dim the night light, and check whether the door is locked.

These automations make your old house seem to have a nervous system that can actively think.

Planning and construction considerations

1. Power circuit is the foundation: Even if you use wireless devices, you need to ensure that the circuit of the lamp or socket to be controlled is normal. The unstable power supply of old circuits may cause smart devices to restart frequently.

2. Network coverage is the lifeblood: Ensure that the location where the smart device is installed has a stable Wi-Fi or Zigbee signal. If necessary, a Wi-Fi signal extender or Zigbee relay device can be added.

3. Seek professional integration: If you want to integrate large equipment such as air conditioners, floor heating, and total heat exchangers, it is recommended to seek professional smart home integrators. They can provide one-stop services from planning, installation to post-maintenance, and ensure compatibility between different brands of equipment.

Intelligence is not a revolution, but an elegant evolution. Start with a smart socket and gradually add sensing and linkage capabilities to your old home. You will find that the convenience and safety of life can be upgraded so easily.