If you’ve been checking out home improvement websites in recent years, you may have heard about smart light fixtures. This popular home upgrade offers a higher level of convenience and energy efficiency.
Unlike traditional home lighting systems, smart lights are interconnected to apps, automation tools, and voice assistants. Because of this, you don’t have to get up to flip your lights on. With a few simple upgrades, your family can enjoy the future of smart home design.
How Do Smart Lighting Systems Work?
At their heart, smart lighting systems basically involve controlling lights from your smartphone. For example, you can dim smart light fixtures on command through an app. There are also advanced scheduling features, so you can set your lights to turn on when your alarm goes off.
Because of how convenient they are, these devices have grown increasingly popular in recent years. They typically have LED or CFL bulbs, ensuring a better level of energy efficiency. While apps and smartphones are the most popular options, they can also be managed through a centrally controlled hub.
Besides being turned on remotely or set to a schedule, smart light fixtures can also change color on command. If you have your system set up for voice commands, you don’t even have to open the app on your smartphone to change the lighting level. As soon as the central hub or controller receives the command to adjust your lights, it will transmit the command to the lights.
What Are the Different Types of Smart Light Fixtures?
There are a few different kinds of smart lights that your home may use. Typically, you can install smart bulbs or smart switches.
Smart Switches
Smart switches function the same way as normal switches, but you get an extra level of control. The light can be switched on through an app, voice commands, or motion sensors. To install these units, our electricians generally need to set up a neutral wire. Because of this, smart switches aren’t ideal for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.
Smart Bulbs
Another option is to install smart bulbs in your home. These consumer-grade lights often use LED bulbs. They can be integrated with virtual assistants, such as Google Home and Alexa. Depending on the option you get, you may be able to take advantage of preset brightness schedules, different colors, and dimming options. Additionally, these lights are typically more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
To use smart bulbs, you have to screw in the light bulb into your existing socket. Once it has been screwed in, you just have to use your mobile app to change color or brightness levels. However, getting smart bulbs can be a costly option because you have to install a different one in every room.
How Smart Lighting Systems Are Set Up
In order to give you better control, the smart lighting system must be integrated with some type of digital platform through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar technologies. While smart bulbs are the most noticeable component, the system may also be set up with a bridge or hub that links together multiple devices.
Once the system is installed, you can set the schedule to work with your household routine. For example, you can automatically set the lights so that they dim while you are relaxing in the evening. If you forget to turn off the lights after leaving in the morning, you can easily switch them off through your app.
While each smart lighting system is set up differently, there are a few common components that may be installed.
Wireless Communication
One of the essential components in any smart lighting system is wireless communication. Other than Wi-Fi, you can set up your system with Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Zigbee. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks.
For example, Bluetooth is only effective for short-range usage, but it is easy to use with mobile devices. In comparison, Z-Wave and Zigbee are considered mesh networks. This means that these devices communicate with other devices in a way that extends their signal strength and coverage. If you are uncertain about which option to use, you can always talk to one of our experienced electricians about which style works best for your home.
Smart Switches
Many smart lighting systems include smart switches and dimmers instead of traditional wall switches. This allows you to control multiple lights at the same time. Unlike smart bulbs, you don’t have to replace every bulb in the house for these to work. Once they are installed, you can easily dim the lights and take advantage of remote access.
Smart Lamps
Depending on your goals, you may also want to try smart lamps and accent lighting. For example, you can install strip lights or get a table lamp. This kind of option is ideal if you plan on moving the light around later on.
Smart Ceiling Fixtures
For a different ambiance, consider smart ceiling fixtures and recessed lights. These lights can brighten up your whole room instead of a small area. You can easily dim these lights whenever you want a calmer environment.
Cloud Control and Integration Options
There are additional options that can add to the convenience of your system. For instance, cloud-based servers can help you control your lights from any location. Alternatively, local control provides you with more privacy and a faster response time. For added convenience, you may also want to have your system integrated with your smart thermostat, voice assistant, or security system.
Get Professional Help With Your Lighting Installation
If you’re struggling to find the right smart lighting for your home, we can help. Our team of electricians has years of experience working in Ocala. We can inspect your existing electrical systems and help you determine the best way to update your system.
From transparent prices to flexible scheduling, we go out of our way to ensure a seamless experience. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky!
