From smart TVs to smart refrigerators, tech is getting more intelligent. Smart lighting is the easiest move to make when updating your home's appliances to their "smart" counterparts, but are they worth the cost? Yes! Smart lights save you money in the long run.
Trust us—you're going to want to get your hands on these. If you're thinking about making the switch to smart lighting, you should know:
- How smart lighting works
- Smart lights are easy to install
- Smart lights use less energy than traditional light bulbs
- Smart lights are environmentally friendly
- Smart lights are packed with bonus features (for a price)
- Smart lights can be paired with other smart devices
- Over time, smart lights pay for themselves
In the sections below, we'll walk you through all the amazing features of smart lighting as well as some important things to keep in mind when choosing a smart lighting system.
At Ackerman Security, we help make the lives of Atlanta homeowners run as smoothly as possible. That's why we offer a variety of home automation products, including smart locks, smart thermostats, and smart lights, as well as our top-notch home security systems. If you're ready to upgrade your home with smart lighting, call for a free estimate today: (800) 552-1111.
How Smart Lighting Works
Smart lights work by connecting to your phone via wifi, bluetooth, or a smart home hub. That way you can turn lights on or off with the touch of a button!
However, smart lighting is based on the method of connection, which each have their pros and cons:
- You can control wifi-connected smart lightsfrom anywhere as long as your internet connection is working. However, these lights use more energy than other types.
- Bluetooth-based smart lightsare more energy efficient, but they require you to be at home to work since bluetooth has a limited range.
- A smart home hubis great if you have several different smart devices in your home, since it can connect to and transmit signals for any smart device. However, smart home hubshave to be purchased separately.
If you're interested in purchasing smart lightingbut unsure what type to choose, contact Ackerman Security's home automation experts for a free consultation (800) 552-1111.
Smart Lights Are Easy To Install
Ever changed a lightbulb? Then you already know how to install a smart light. Most smart light bulbs are simply screwed into your existing light fixtures.
To install a smart light bulb, simply:
- Download the app for the smart light on your phone
- Screw in the light bulb
- Follow the prompts on the app to set it up
Now you can turn the smart light on or off with your phone! Depending on which bulb you purchased, you might also be able to dim the lights or change the color.
Because smart light bulbs don't require any rewiring, they're a great choice for renters or anyone who might move. And if you're a homeowner, you can install permanent smart light switches. They don't require smart light bulbs (you can use the light bulbs you already have), but they must be installed by an electrician.
Smart Lights Use Less Energy than Traditional Light Bulbs
All smart lights are LED bulbs, which means they use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. They also last about 15 times longer than traditional bulbs!
In order to turn smart lights on remotely, your light switch needs to be in the "on" position at all times. Otherwise, it would be impossible to turn them on remotely, since appliances don't receive electricity when the light switch is in the "off" position.
Since your light switch is always in the "on" position, smart lights use a little bit of energy, even when they're not shining. Smart lights are never really off, they're just in standby mode. This amount of energy is so small, you won't even notice it on your energy bill. In fact, you probably didn't know your TV, security system, and microwave were already doing the same thing!
Smart Lights Are Environmentally Friendly
When used properly,smart lighting can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Because greenhouse gas emissions are released when coal is burned to produce electricity, the less electricity you use, the fewer harmful emissions will be released into the atmosphere.
Minimizing energy usage is good for the environment. While smart light bulbs reduce energy usage compared to traditional bulbs, smart light switches are the most environmentally friendly since they don't use energy in standby mode.
Smart Lights Are Packed with Bonus Features
All smart lights can be turned on and off remotely, but depending on the smart lighting you choose, you can access tons of bonus features—for a price.Some of the added features of smart lighting are:
- Dimmable lighting.This feature lets you choose the brightness of your bulbs from your phone.
- Color changing bulbs.Some smart bulbs can change to different colors, like red, blue, or green, but others can change the warmth of your standard white light. This is a great feature if you prefer a softer light in the morning and evening to help you wake up or wind down for the day.
- Geo-fencing.Smart bulbs equipped with geo-fencing automatically shut off when you leave your home. They track your location based on the location of your phone.
- Motion sensors.These smart lights only turn on when they detect motion in the room.
Voice activation.By pairing smart lights with a digital assistant, like a Google Home or Amazon Alexa, you can turn your lights on and off with your voice. If you don't already have a digital assistant, you'll need to purchase one to access this feature.
Choose the dimness of your lights directly from your phone or smart home hub.
The more capabilities your smart light has, the more expensive the bulbs will be. However, since some of these features can save energy (and money!), they can be cost-effective over time.
Smart Lights Can Be Paired with Other Smart Devices
Do you already have a smart thermostator security system? Smart lights can be paired with other smart home devices to minimize energy usage and save you money.
For example, if your security system is already programmed to be armed when you're away, you can pair it with smart lights to ensure your lights are off when your security system is armed. You can also pair it with your thermostat so your AC isn't running when you're not at home.
Smart Lights Pay for Themselves
The cost of smart light bulbs and switches are greater than traditional bulbs, but smart lighting pays for itself by significantly decreasing your energy bill. Energy Star estimates switching to smart lighting can save you up to $225 per yearon your energy bill!
Smart lighting is definitely an investment, but the many benefits—reduced utility bills, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to control lights remotely—are definitely worth the cost.
Want Your Energy Bill To Get a Little Lighter? Call Ackerman Security.
Our home automation pros will perform a free in-home consultation to help you choose the best smart lighting systemfor your home.
Already have a few smart devices? No problem! We're capable of servicing and installing devices from every manufacturer, so we can optimize your home automation system for you. We've earned over 4,000 rave online reviews—see the Ackerman Security difference by giving us a call at (800) 552-1111.