SMART HOME CONTROLS INSTALLED

The best option is dependent on a few questions:

• What do you want to achieve from the smart home device? I.e lower bills, control away from the home.
• Have you got any other smart home devices currently? If you have a smart cctv camera for example you may want to get a Thermostat that is under the same system.
• What type of central heating system do you currently have? And how many zones? I.e A combi boiler and just radiators, or  a conventional system + underfloor heating.
• How advanced do you want something to be? and what are your future plans at the property?

Once you have established the answers to these questions a Ry engineer can provide information on what type of systems could be suitable. You will also be able to do your own research online, once you have the answers to these questions.

We can then provide a quote based on discussions of these facts, so you are aware of the work involved and the products thats will be fitted.

Luckily at Ry we have Heating Engineers and Electricians so whatever the specification we can help.

Yes there is... and Ry are part of it.

Check out the below government site to see if you may be eligible

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme

This scheme is due to run until early 2022.

Luckily a lot of security measures have now been introduced by suppliers and manufacturers.

However there are still some top tips of what to check prior to installing smart home solutions.

1. Give your router a name and ensure it's a newer model. 

Don’t stick with the name the manufacturer gave it — it might identify the make or model. Give it an unusual name not associated with you or your street address. You don’t want your router name to give away any personal identifiers. Also ensure your supplier provides you an updated router if its old, this will ensure any new network security updates are in place.

2. Use a strong encryption method for Wi-Fi.

In your router settings, it’s a good idea to use a strong encryption method, like WPA2, when you set up Wi-Fi network access. This will help keep your network and communications secure.

3. Set up a guest network.

Keep your Wi-Fi account private. Visitors, friends and relatives can log into a separate network that doesn’t tie into your IoT devices.

4. Change default usernames and passwords.

Cybercriminals probably already know the default passwords that come with many IoT products. That makes it easy for them to access your IoT devices and, potentially, the information on them. Are you considering a device that doesn’t allow you to change the default password? Then consider a different one.

5. Use strong, unique passwords for Wi-Fi networks and device accounts.

Avoid common words or passwords that are easy to guess, such as “password” or “123456.” Instead, use unique, complex passwords made up of letters, numbers, and symbols. You might also consider a password manager to up your security game.

6. Check the setting for your devices.

Your IoT devices might come with default privacy and security settings. You might want to consider changing them, as some default settings could benefit the manufacturer more than they benefit you.

7. Disable features you may not need.

IoT devices come with a variety of services such as remote access, often enabled by default.

If you don’t need it, be sure to disable it.

8. Keep your software up to date.

When your smart phone manufacturer sends you a software update, don’t put off installing it. It might be a patch for a security flaw. Mobile security is important, since you may connect to your smart home through mobile devices. Your IoT device makers also may sent you updates — or you might have to visit their websites to check for them. Be sure to download updates and apply them to your device to help stay safe.

9. Audit the IoT devices already on your home network.

It could be time to upgrade that old security camera. Take time to check if newer models might offer stronger security.

10. Do the two-step.

We’re talking authentication. Two-factor authentication — such as a one-time code sent to your cellphone — can keep the bad guys out of your accounts. If your smart-device apps offer two-factor authentication, or 2FA, use it.

11. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks.

You might want to manage your IoT devices through your mobile device in a coffee shop across town. If you’re on public Wi-Fi — generally not a good idea — use a VPN.

12. Watch out for outages.

Ensure that a hardware outage does not result in an unsecure state for the device.

No doubt more IoT devices are coming and will angle for a place in your home. If they make your life more convenient — even happier — great. But don’t forget to secure your increasingly smart home and your IoT devices.