Home › Guides

Smart Home

Smart home devices only work well if they suit your wiring, your air conditioner and your Wi-Fi. These guides cover compatibility, sizing and security.

Photograph: guide photo, Unsplash photo 1718203862467-c33159fdc504 Smart Home4 min read

Before You Order a Sensibo Controller: Returns, Warranty, Shipping and Duties

What the store's own terms say about returns, warranty, shipping and import charges for Sensibo smart AC controllers, and what to check before you order.

 Photograph: hand adjusting a modern smart thermostat Home Cooling2 min read

Choosing a Smart Thermostat: Compatibility, Power Wires and What to Check

ENERGY STAR advice on smart thermostat compatibility, C-wires, features, savings claims and installation, with a short pre-purchase checklist.

 Photograph: smart speaker with clock Smart Home4 min read

Choosing Smart Home Devices Online: Compatibility, Hubs and Privacy

How to check that smart plugs, lights, cameras and sensors will work together, what hubs and subscriptions add, and which privacy settings to change.

 Photograph: wall-mounted air conditioner close-up Home Cooling2 min read

How Many BTU Does a Room Air Conditioner Need? A Sizing Table and Checklist

Match a room air conditioner to your floor area using the ENERGY STAR table, with adjustments for sun, people and kitchens, and why bigger is not better.

 Photograph illustrating: How to Choose a Smart AC Controller: Compatibility, Features and What to Check Smart Home7 min read

How to Choose a Smart AC Controller: Compatibility, Features and What to Check

How smart controllers for air conditioners and heat pumps work, how to check compatibility, and which features, privacy and return terms to compare.

 Photograph: smart home wall switch in a bedroom Smart Home2 min read

Matter Smart Home Standard Explained: Logos, Hubs and Thread in Plain English

What Matter is, what the logo means, how Thread and border routers fit in, and what to check on a smart home product page before you buy.

 Photograph: white indoor security camera Smart Home2 min read

Smart Home Security Checklist: What Government Advice Says to Check

Questions to ask before buying a smart device and the setup steps UK government advice recommends: updates, passwords, remote access and support dates.

 Photograph: white router with four antennas, soft colored light Home Networking2 min read

Wi-Fi Generations Explained: Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6 and 7 and the 6 GHz Band

What the Wi-Fi Alliance says about Wi-Fi 4 to 7, what each added, and what to check on a router listing before you buy.

 Photograph: wifi, cooling and smart home basics (room with wall air conditioner and ceiling fan) Smart Home10 min read

Wi-Fi, Cooling and Smart Home Basics: Wi-Fi Generations, Air Conditioner Sizing, Thermostats and Matter

Wi-Fi 4 to 7, sizing a room air conditioner in BTU, choosing a smart thermostat and what Matter and Thread mean, using Wi-Fi Alliance, ENERGY STAR and CSA sources.