Like many of the devices we find in our homes nowadays, the light switch has joined the hi-tech club. Most smart light switches look a bit traditional but what makes them smart is their ability to be controlled from an app in a smartphone.
Smart light switches can be programmed on the app to turn on and off whenever you want. They can also be set to turn on and off automatically depending on whether a room is occupied or not. If you’re leaving on vacation you can just put a random schedule to make your home seem like it’s occupied. These are just a few of the functions one of these switches can perform, and regularly, new features are being added to improve them.
Which Smart Light Switch Is For You?
When buying smart light switches you might find a vast variety of brands to choose from, such as GE, Phillips, Lutron, Leviton, Nest, Ring, and more. Here are some of the things you might want to ask when choosing one:
Will It Be Compatible With My Digital Assistant?
Some of these switches work with the most popular digital assistants including Google, Apple, Amazon, Nest, etc., while other switches only support one or two digital assistants.
How Easy Is It To Use The App To Control The Switch?
It is a good idea to read reviews about each brand of the smart light switch. This way you can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Does The Design Fit My Home Style?
They come in very different styles, some are more modern looking and some come in different colors. You’ll be able to find the one that most fits your style.
Do You Need Additional Features?
Some switches have additional features such as motion detectors, dimmers or integrated night lights, and more.
What Other Options Are Available?
Smart light switches are one of the many ways to control lighting in your home. There are other options like smart light bulbs and smart plugs that actually provide a lot of the same functionality, and some are even easier to install.
Professional Installation of Smart Light Switches
Smart light switches are often called simple DIY projects, however, you might want to have an electrician install them in your home. First of all, these switches are often bigger than the traditional ones and they require a new box to be installed. For most people, this is a job for a professional electrician.
Second of all, if your home is on the older side, it may not have the correct wiring installed, so an electrician is the best option for you. Finally, if you have multiple switches controlling the same light, a smart switch won’t work. Your electrician can help sort out the switches and get everything working properly.
Do you need help with any of your smart home devices? We can help make your home safe with smart doorbells and smart lighting control. East-West Electric has got your back. Call us now at (727) 771-9403!
Additional reading:
Home Automation | The 10 Questions Everyone Is Asking
