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Smart lighting has revolutionized the way we illuminate our homes, offering convenience, energy efficiency, and customization at our fingertips. Homeowners can upgrade their lighting systems with smart switches, bulbs, and wireless remotes to create the perfect ambiance. Ask This Old House technology expert, Ross Trethewey, explores various smart lighting configurations and their benefits in the video above, and you can read our guide for more information.
Understanding Smart Lighting Options
Smart lighting systems come in various forms, each with its own advantages and considerations. Below are the main types of smart lighting solutions available to homeowners.
Smart Light Switches
Smart light switches are an excellent option for those looking to upgrade their existing lighting setup without changing their fixtures. These switches replace standard wall switches and add smart functionality to your existing lights.
Benefits of smart light switches:
- Allow for scheduling and automation
- Can control them via smartphone apps or smart speakers
- Compatible with most existing light fixtures
- Provide local control and dimming capabilities
Installing smart switches requires some electrical work, so we recommend having a licensed electrician handle the task for safety reasons.
Smart Light Bulbs
For those seeking a simpler do-it-yourself (DIY) solution, smart light bulbs are an excellent choice. You can easily screw these bulbs into existing fixtures and offer immediate smart functionality without any wiring changes.
Key features of smart light bulbs:
- Can group and control together
- Easy installation—simply replace existing bulbs
- Offer color-changing and dimming capabilities
- Wi-Fi enabled for smartphone and smart speaker control
Smart bulbs require the light switch to stay in the “on” position. If someone turns off the switch, the bulb loses its smart capabilities until power is restored, as Trethewey explains in the above video.
Wireless Remote Controls
A hybrid approach combines the benefits of smart bulbs with the convenience of wall-mounted controls. You can install wireless remotes over existing switches, which keep the power on while providing local control.
Advantages of wireless remote controls:
- Can easily install them without electrical work
- Maintains power to smart bulbs
- Offers local on/off and dimming control
- Prevents accidental power cutoff to smart bulbs
Installing Smart Lighting Systems
Implementing a smart lighting system in your home can be straightforward, depending on the option chosen, and doesn’t necessarily require professional installation.
Setting Up Smart Light Switches
First, turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker box and remove the existing switch. Take note of the wire connections for reference during the installation of the new switch. Next, connect the smart switch according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Carefully follow the wiring guide provided.
Then, secure the switch in the electrical box and replace the cover plate. Make sure everything is tight and secure, and you don’t see any wires. Lastly, restore power and follow the app instructions to complete the setup. Once powered, run the manufacturer’s app to finalize the configuration.
If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, hire a professional electrician.
Installing Smart Light Bulbs
Put the light switch in the off position to prevent any electrical issues, then remove the existing bulb from the fixture. Check the compatibility of your current fixture with the new smart bulb. Next, screw in the new smart bulb. Make sure it is tightly fitted for optimal performance.
Turn on the switch and follow the manufacturer’s app instructions for setup. Connect and configure the bulb with the app. Finally, test the bulb’s functions using the app or voice commands. Verify that it responds correctly to your commands.
Implementing Wireless Remote Controls
Clean the surface of the existing switch plate and attach the mounting bracket over the switch. Keep it in the on position to maintain connection. Next, click the wireless remote onto the mounting bracket. This secures the remote and facilitates easy access. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to pair the remote with your smart bulbs. Verify that the remote connects seamlessly for effective control.
Test the remote’s on/off and dimming functions. Verify that it operates as you expect it to with the smart bulbs.
Controlling Your Smart Lighting System
You have various methods to control your smart lighting system. Each method offers unique functionalities to improve your lighting experience.
Smartphone App Control
Most smart lighting systems come with dedicated smartphone apps that allow control from anywhere with an internet connection. These apps typically offer features such as:
- Energy usage monitoring to track and optimize energy consumption
- Group control for multiple lights to synchronize lighting conditions
- Individual light control for personalized settings in each room
- Scene creation for different moods or activities to customize the ambiance
- Scheduling and automation for convenience and energy efficiency
Voice Control Integration
Compatibility with popular voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit is common. This allows for convenient voice commands, like asking it to turn on/off the lights, adjust the brightness, and change the light color.
Smart Home Integration
Smart lighting often integrates with other smart home devices and systems for more complex automation. This includes turning on lights when motion is detected to enhance security and convenience. Some can also adjust lighting based on the time of day or weather conditions for optimal ambiance or coordinate lighting with smart thermostats to improve overall energy efficiency.
Maximizing the Benefits of Smart Lighting
To get the most out of your smart lighting system, consider implementing these tips and strategies:
- Create lighting scenes for different activities or moods. Tailor each area to specific needs.
- Experiment with color-changing bulbs to enhance ambiance. Create unique atmospheres for various occasions.
- Integrate your lighting with other smart home devices for a cohesive system. Achieve smooth interoperability within your home.
- Use geofencing to automatically control lights based on your location. This feature adapts to your movements.
- Use scheduling to automate lights based on your daily routines. Save energy and improve convenience.
Our Conclusion
Smart lighting offers homeowners convenience, energy efficiency, and customization. Whether you use smart switches, bulbs, or a hybrid approach with wireless remotes, these systems will transform how you interact with your home’s lighting.
