How to Make (almost) any device smart

1 Buy right

That fan or air conditioner might not be smart by itself, but don’t let that stop you. Make sure you buy something that starts as soon as it’s powered. A fan with physical controls is ideal; an air-con unit with auto-standby not so much.

2 Add the smarts

Attach the device to a smart plug. Belkin’s WeMo Insight is a good choice, since it has good automation hooks and, with the WeMo Bridge, HomeKit support. Avoid the cheap no-brand models that have flooded Amazon, of course.

3 Fire at will

Switch your device to the setting you’re looking for, place the smart plug into the power socket, and switch it on. Now use the smart plug’s app to power it on or off, or your automation platform of choice to link it to triggers from other kit.