You live with someone that has never turned off a light in a room. Any room. Without going into the psychology of entitlement vs. living off the grid, let’s just say it’s sometimes better to manage people than argue with them. Smart switches do just that.
Smart Switches: Electrical Upgrades That Save Money
When it comes tosmart lighting, one of the most seamless and natural ways to upgrade your home is withsmart switches. They work as intended, even when the internet goes out…-CNET.com
There’s only one drawback to upgrading lights in your home with smart switches. They completely spoil you. When you’re visiting someone else’s home, you tend to forget to turn the lights on. Standing in the dark bathroom, you may become mildly irritated that you must hunt for a light switch.
What To Know About Smart Switches
Having smart switches installed is a home improvement that saves money. If you live with children or big kids, smart switches are programmed to turn off after a specific amount of time, with or without WiFi.
Do you want smart switches, smart bulbs, or smart plugs? All of them have distinct advantages.
- Smart bulbs are special light bulbs that screw into traditional electrical sockets. They are internet-controlled through a mobile app or a home automation center. WiFi is required.
- Smart plugs use “regular” light bulbs. They can also work with other appliances and not only overhead or lamp lighting. Most people control them with their phones. WiFi is necessary.
Smart Switch Advantages
Many people prefer motion-detected smart switches. “Smart motion” light switches are the easiest to manage because you don’t manage them at all. Your electrician can wire one switch to control all the lights on an outlet. For example, if your walk-in closet or bathroom has vanity lights (multiple lighting, usually over a mirror), they turn on when anyone enters that space.
Money savings from remote-controlled electrical appliances are a given; you lose less energy when lights are automatically turned off. Smart motion lights are timed to go off after a period of inactivity in a room or closet.
Some of the ways smart switches provide convenience are:
Smart switches can integrate with IFTTT (if this then that). One action triggers other action(s). You can set outdoor lights to turn on at sunset and turn off at sunrise.
Scheduling smart switches to turn lights on at a specific time is a security and safety option. Seniors never need return home to a dark house. Your pathways can be illuminated for mobility-challenged loved ones. When you’re away for extended periods of time, one or more inside lights can activate on and off at specific times to deter burglars.
App-controlled smart switches provide “anywhere anytime” access. Now that you’re 100 miles away, you wonder if you turned off the kitchen light… Use a phone app to shut them off. This saves energy and gives you peace of mind.
TIO Electric: The Smart Choice for Southwest Arizona Smart Homes
We are living in an exciting time! Installing electrical conveniences has gone way beyond light dimmers. But don’t feel guilty about home improvements like smart switches. Our lives are active and filled with purpose today. We need – yes, we “deserve” – the security, safety, and ease of operation electrical home upgrades offer.
Turn It On Electric wants to be your partner in navigating the affordability and convenience of electrical upgrades. If you have questions about smart electrical improvements for your commercial property or residence, contact TIO Electric.
FAQs
Having smart switches installed is a home improvement that saves money. If you live with children or big kids, smart switches are programmed to turn off after a specific amount of time, with or without WiFi. Do you want smart switches, smart bulbs, or smart plugs? All of them have distinct advantages.
Do smart switches use a lot of electricity? ›
On its own, the average smart plug uses at most one, maybe two watts at any given time. Zero, like that of an unused standard outlet, would be ideal, but smart plugs require a small amount of electricity to stay connected to your Wi-Fi. Still, a smart plug uses only around 10 kWh over the course of a year.
What are the disadvantages of smart switches? ›
Disadvantages: the necessary complexity
While smart switches offer a range of benefits, their installation is not so plug-and-play regarding lamp replacement. It is necessary to understand the electrical operation and have some technical knowledge for a successful installation.
Is it worth getting smart light switches? ›
There are a few reasons to choose a smart switch over smart bulbs. For starters, let's say you want to keep your current light bulbs—whether it's because they're too difficult to reach, you have multiple downlights and other specialty fixtures, or you're simply happy with the light quality.
Are smart light switches energy efficient? ›
However, it is crucial to recognize that smart switches will use more energy than a standard switch. In general, smart switches with Wi-Fi controls will use two watts of power while idling, while a ZigBee or Z-Wave switch will use about 0.5 watts at idle. Energy savings does tie directly into user behavior.
Do smart bulbs raise the electric bill? ›
Since smart bulbs are vampire devices and powered by electricity, they will still draw power when switched off or in standby mode, which could add up to a significant amount of energy consumption over time.
Do smart plugs increase the electricity bill? ›
How Much Energy Do Smart Plugs Use? Increasing sustainability and going green with smart plugs are key to a healthier home. Smart plugs use about 1-2 Watts of power. Your energy bill is measured in kilowatts per hour.
Do smart switches slow down Wi-Fi? ›
Do Smart Switches Slow Down WiFi? Generally speaking, smart lights won't put much extra drawn on your WiFi network because, like smart plugs, smart lights are very simple devices that will typically only need to communicate when their status changes.
Do smart switches increase home value? ›
Does a Smart Home Increase a Home's Value? Smart home technology can definitely add to market value. Appraisers make what they call “adjustments” when they compare tech-enabled homes with similar but tech-deficient houses. Smart homes command higher prices and may be easier to sell as a result.
What are the downsides of smart appliances? ›
Smart home technology offers a range of benefits, including convenience, energy efficiency, safety, accessibility, and increased home value. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as compatibility issues, internet outages, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, complexity, and initial startup costs.
The biggest disadvantage of smart light bulbs is that they're much more expensive than regular lightbulbs. As of this writing, a standard incandescent bulb costs about a dollar, while a non-smart LED light bulb costs around $5. A smart bulb costs around $15 each, and that's not counting additional hub expenses.
What is the lifespan of a smart switch? ›
Smart switches should last for a lifetime if they're used properly. You can increase their lifespan by following simple troubleshooting techniques. For example, if a smart switch keeps losing power, try resetting it to its original settings. These methods will ensure the device has a long life.
What rooms should have smart switches? ›
Smart lighting works in any type of home and these fixtures can be a major must-have asset to living rooms and bedrooms, but they are excellent additions in outdoor spaces and patios, as well.
What are the cons of smart switches? ›
Disadvantages. For users who have installed wired switches, if you want to install a smart switch, you need to disassemble and install it. This is actually not difficult, but you must cut off the power first before installation, and then find the neutral and live wires. usually there are instructions.
Do smart lights use electricity when off? ›
Unlike traditional lamps that use no power when turned off, smart lamps use power for their communication systems when they are off (or in “network standby” mode). Initial measurements indicate that energy use of smart lamps in standby mode varies from less than 0.25W to over 2.5W per lamp.
Do smart switches work without internet? ›
Smart light switches will still work without Wi-Fi, but their advanced features won't be available. You'll only be able to switch the lights on and off, as with a regular light switch. However, with Wi-Fi, you can access a range of features such as scheduling, dimming, and voice control.
Do smart lights still use electricity when off? ›
Unlike traditional lamps that use no power when turned off, smart lamps use power for their communication systems when they are off (or in “network standby” mode). Initial measurements indicate that energy use of smart lamps in standby mode varies from less than 0.25W to over 2.5W per lamp.
Does leaving switches on use electricity? ›
Does leaving plugs in use electricity? Everything that is connected to power will use some energy. Because it's so often connected with equipment in standby or inactive mode, standby electricity loss is also known as phantom or idle electricity.
Do network switches use a lot of electricity? ›
Type of switch and its wattage: There are hardened industrial switches which are designed for harsh operating environments. Such switches are managed and easily use around 500W power. Unmanaged switches with basic configurations use less power around 50-60W in total for all the ports.
Do smart appliances use more electricity? ›
Smart home devices like thermostats and appliances are highly efficient because they can automatically adjust to changing energy needs. Plus, they can detect inefficiencies so electricity, water and gas waste can be minimized. Your energy consumption can be reduced exponentially when smart devices run your home.
