Ever wondered what the difference between a smart switch and a regular light switch is?
You may think it is unnecessary to automate the light fixtures in your home. Still, they actually come with a lot of benefits that you should not miss out on.
If you want to know more about this smart home technology, you have come to the right place. Read on to get to know smart switches better.
What is a smart switch?
A smart switch is like a super light switch because it comes with advanced features that help you automate your home. Some would look like traditional light switches, while others would look a little more modern, depending on the brand and the features that they come with. Some may come with extra buttons, motion sensors, and LED indicators as well.
How do smart switches work?
These smart switches have radio wave capabilities to connect to a wireless network and become a part of the IoT system (Internet of Things).
Because of this connectivity, the switches become “smart” and controlled through an app or voice control.
The connection can be made through Bluetooth, WiFi, or Z-wave.
Benefits of using a smart switch
Remote control
The smart switch comes with a smart app that you can download on your smartphone. Once you download the app, you can use it to control the lights remotely through your phone. This means you can access the app and turn on the lights when it is night time, and you are out of the house to make people think that the house is not empty. This can discourage thieves from breaking into your home.
Dimming
Most smart switches have dimming options that allow you to control your light’s brightness level—no need to install a separate dimmer on the switch. Advanced models can even change the brightness settings depending on the time of day, meaning that as the light gets darker outside, your house lights become brighter. Take note, though, that this feature will depend on what type of bulb you are using. CFL bulbs, in particular, do not support dimming adjustments.
Timing
You can create a schedule for your lighting so that you can save energy. You can program the smart switch bulk to automatically turn on at a particular time and turn off at a specific time.
Motion sensors
Some smart switches come with motion sensors. These sensors can detect any movement in the room, meaning that the lights turn on automatically when the sensor detects movement and turns off automatically when there is no movement. This means you no longer have to fumble in the dark looking for the light switch. The lights will automatically turn on when you enter the room and turn off when you leave the room.
Is it a worthy upgrade?
If you are investing in a smart home, getting smart switches is a must. However, suppose you are working on a limited budget. In that case, you can choose the light switches that you often use, such as the bathroom, hallway, dining room, and living room – no need to upgrade every switch in your house.
