[rich-algeni-jr]

Hi DeAnn!

I prefer to use smart switches and plugs, and dumb bulbs. That way, when a bulb fails, you can just replace it, and you’re back in business. The Hubitat hub has a number of benefits. It allows central, local control. Which means if the internet, or a providers cloud goes down, my switches and plugs still work. I can’t say that for the garage door opener or thermostats. They are proprietary, and require cloud access.

For voice control, I use Alexa. It’s the easiest to use. But, if your internet or the Alexa cloud goes down, the voice control doesn’t work. With the local control hub, I can control the lights on my computer or phone, regardless of the internet.

When you’re ready to move ahead, just shoot me a message, and I’ll be glad to help!

[rich-algeni-jr]

Hi Alyssa!
It was my preference to use smart switches and plugs, and dumb bulbs. With dumb bulbs, all you have to do is replace the bulb if one burns out. Beyond this, I have cameras setup, so that I can answer the door from my phone, or my computer. I much prefer open source apps to proprietary apps, but there seems to be no choice for garage door openers and thermostats. However, there is an app called Home Assistant, that runs on a Raspberry Pi that can interface with many proprietary apps, and allows them to be centrally controlled. I have started tinkering with Home Assistant, but not enough to offer insight to the community.