Installing Better Lighting with Smart Switches and Dimmers

Jan 1, 2021 | 0 comments

Smart switch

Have you considered smart lighting for your home? Smart switches or smart dimmers may be right for you!

What is smart lighting?

The lighting of your home is a crucial part of your day to day life. One of the best ways that homeowners can upgrade their home is to switch to a much more modern way of brightening up their living spaces: smart lighting. Smart lighting allows control over lighting quickly and remotely, allowing for features that would not normally be available for homes with classic lighting, such as scheduling and voice control.

Where should I start with smart lighting?

Most homeowners get their start with smart lighting through smart plug-ins or smart bulbs to replace their normal ones. This is an ideal starting point for homeowners to test out whether smart lighting is suitable for their lifestyle, as bulbs and plug-ins can easily be replaced or switched out if desired. However, for a more long-term, permanent, and cost effective method of smart lighting, installing smart switches or smart dimmers is usually highly recommended, especially since the cost of having to constantly replace smart bulbs can add up, particularly if smart lighting is used for more than one room. Having smart switches installed allows instead for lighting to be much more energy and cost efficient.

Not only can one switch control multiple bulbs, but having smart switches can convert a home’s regular bulbs into smart ones. Switches work with a home’s already-existing wiring and light fixtures, that previously may have been unable to accommodate smart bulbs. They can even work without internet, so homeowners can rest easy knowing there is no need to worry about internet outages impacting their home’s lighting.

What are the benefits of smart switches?

Like normal switches, smart switches are designed to turn the connected light fixture on and off, but are also connected to a smartphone app. This allows for easy control over lighting right from the touch of a button from your phone, and allows you to monitor the status of your lighting at all times. It also adds additional features, such as scheduling when the lights turn on or off or when they dim throughout the day to evening. Smart dimmers in particular allow you to adjust the brightness of the bulbs whenever desired, provided they are compatible.

With the installation of accessories, smart switches work well with other smart devices that are integrated into the home, such as the ones connected by Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa. This conveniently allows for voice control, where it’s as easy as giving a simple command to “Turn off the lights” to your smart speaker. Certain switches may also allow for motion sensors.

Over time, smart lighting can become so subtle that you hardly even notice it once it’s installed. Especially if your home already has smart devices, the integration is seamless and non-invasive. If your home has already had smart lighting, it is especially important to note that upgrading your lighting to rely on smart switches rather than smart bulbs can save a lot of money in the long run.

How do I know if my home is compatible with smart lighting?

It is important to ensure that the smart switches selected are compatible with the lights that are installed in your home, especially if they are LED lights. When choosing a smart switch, it is also important to consider what other features they are compatible with. Having a smart switch that integrates with Google Home or Alexa, for example, will open up more possibilities as to how your lights can be controlled.

With various smart devices on the market, checking whether any of them are compatible with your home can become overwhelming. Hiring a licensed electrician to check in order to be extra sure can allow for peace of mind, as they can check the status of your lighting and your home’s electrical wiring.

Are you looking to make the switch to smart lighting? Do you need recommendations on the best smart switches on the market?

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Contact MADE ELECTRIC today! We are a trusted electrical contractor that operates in Toronto and the GTA, with a professional and fully licensed team. We can assist you in getting started with smart lighting.

We can be reached through our contact page, and are also happy to receive your calls at +1 (833) 623-3247, or e-mails at info@madeelectric.ca.

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