Smart homes: getting started with controlling lighting, heating and security

What is a smart home?

A smart home consists of connected devices that can be controlled via an app, voice or automatic rules. Common components are smart bulbs and switches, thermostats, connected locks, sensors for motion, temperature and water leaks, and control of the heat pump and EV charger.

The devices communicate via the wireless network or their own radio protocols and are often brought together in a central hub or app. A stable network is the foundation for everything to work reliably.

Plan before you buy

• Start with what you want to achieve, for example lower energy consumption, convenience or security.
• Choose a system or standard supported by many manufacturers, so you do not lock yourself in.
• Check that the wireless network reaches every part of the home.
• Consider what should happen if the internet or the cloud service goes down.
• Start small and expand once you know what works for you.

What requires an electrician?

Smart bulbs that screw into an existing lamp holder and smart plugs that go into a socket can be installed yourself. Smart switches and dimmers that replace fixed switches, relays in boxes and control of electric heating, on the other hand, are part of the fixed electrical installation.

Such work must be carried out by an electrical installation company registered with Elsäkerhetsverket. This applies even if the product is marketed as easy to install. Ask whether the installer can handle both electrics and networking, or whether two companies need to work together.

Security and privacy

Connected devices can be a way into your network if they are not maintained. Change default passwords, keep devices updated and consider a separate network for smart devices. Read what data the manufacturer collects and where it is stored.

Cameras and microphones in the home are especially sensitive. If your smart home includes cameras that cover areas outside your own plot, the same rules apply as for other camera surveillance.

Deductions: what applies?

RUT for IT services covers, among other things, installing and maintaining routers, networks and wireless equipment in the home, at 50 % of the labour cost. According to Skatteverket, however, it does not cover work on household equipment controlled or monitored via IT, such as alarms, remote-controlled heat pumps and robot vacuum cleaners, nor programming or customising software.

Fixed electrical installation in an existing home may in some cases qualify for a ROT deduction of 30 % of the labour cost. ROT and RUT combined may total no more than SEK 75,000 per person per year, of which no more than SEK 50,000 may be ROT. Since the boundaries are detailed, it is wise to ask the company to specify which parts qualify for a deduction and to check with Skatteverket if in doubt.

What affects the price?

The cost depends on the number of devices, whether fixed switches and dimmers are to be replaced, the need to improve the network, the choice of hub and how much configuration and automation is to be set up. Ask for a quote and ask how the time for configuration is calculated.

What the quote should include

• Which devices and which system are included.
• What counts as electrical installation and who carries it out.
• Network improvements if needed.
• Configuration, automations and a walkthrough with you.
• Labour and materials separately, and which parts may qualify for ROT or RUT.
• Ongoing subscriptions and what happens if the manufacturer stops supporting the product.

Common mistakes and quotes via Fixtorget

Common mistakes are mixing too many systems that do not talk to each other, building on a weak network and forgetting that others in the household should also be able to use the functions easily, including with ordinary switches.

Post your project on Fixtorget and describe what you want to control and what equipment you already have. The companies can ask questions in the chat, and you can see their verification and insurance before you choose.

Frequently asked questions