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If you’re wondering whether to buy smart lighting, you might be weighing up the pros and cons.
The truth is, although there are lots of fantastic things about smart bulbs, they do have some drawbacks. Firstly, they are usually more expensive than standard filament bulbs and regular bulbs by quite a large amount. Prices start around $8-$10 for a single bulb, like this Wiz Tunable White A19 Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb.
They are slightly more expensive to run compared to regular LED bulbs, as they require constant connection to the internet. This means you’ll be paying a tiny bit extra per smart bulb per month. However, it’s worth bearing in mind this will only be a couple of cents or pence . They are still cheaper in the long term than standard filament bulbs.
Another problem with smart lighting is that many of them need an internet connection to enable their ‘smart’ features. This means you’ll need a wi-fi connection on at all times. However, most smart bulbs come with a back up form of connection like Bluetooth, including these Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Bluetooth 75W Smart LED Bulbs.
Smart lighting also runs a slight risk of being hacked, thanks to its internet connection. Flaws in security software can be exploited. Once a virus is present in the device, it can jump to other devices connected to it on your home Wi-Fi network. There is a pretty low chance of this happening, however. Most smart lighting companies have worked hard to manufacture security software which prevents this.
What are the pros and cons of smart light bulbs?
As we have just outlined, there are some downsides to smart lighting. Their need for internet connection and the risk of being compromised might make them less desirable for the tech-averse, especially those not keen on the idea of a smart home system. They also are slightly more expensive than regular LED bulbs to run per month.
However, smart light bulbs are still cheaper to run than standard filament bulbs. They are more energy efficient in the long term. Plus, they have so many great features which makes them a worthy investment.
Endlessly customisable options of smart lights mean you can change their color, timing of when they come on, and more. Plus, with voice assistants and control from your mobile phone via app, you can change the lighting in your house simply and quickly – no matter where you are.
PC Guide Expert Opinion
Although we think they’re pretty great, there are obviously some disadvantages to smart lights. They can be expensive to initially buy, and are more expensive to run than regular LED bulbs. Plus, they require an internet connection to utilise the ‘smart’ features, which can leave them vulnerable to hackers.
However, the risk of hacking is low, and smart lights are not hugely more expensive to run compared to regular LEDS. They’re more efficient in the long term than filament bulbs too.
Although the initial cost might be high, we think the features of smart lighting make it worth the money.
FAQs
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 are the disadvantages of lighting control system? ›
Disadvantages: Implementation Costs: High implementation costs due to the need for individual controllers for each light fixture. Complex Operation: Operating and maintaining numerous individual controllers can be intricate and expensive.
What are the cons of smart light switches? ›
Cons: Installation is more hands-on than with smart bulbs, and you'll have to repeat the process if you want to move the switch to a different fixture. Scaling your system up isn't as cost efficient as with smart bulbs, either.
What are 2 disadvantages of LED lights? ›
Disadvantages of LED Bulbs
Most white LED bulbs emit a cooler, blue-tinted light — rather than the “warmer” glow that is associated with incandescent bulbs. Some people prefer “daylight” or “natural light” LED options. Some LED fixtures may create sharp shadows that may not be desirable in certain places in the home.
Do smart lights consume a lot of electricity? ›
So it's quite obvious that smart bulbs'consumption is significantly lower than other types of bulbs. It's also important to bear in mind that the amount of electricity used by any given smart light bulb will vary depending on its features and how often it is used.
What are the cons of smart lighting? ›
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 are the negative effects of lighting? ›
One of these processes is the production of the hormone melatonin, which is released when it is dark and is inhibited when there is light present. An increased amount of light at night lowers melatonin production, which results in sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and other health problems.
What are the cons of smart switches? ›
The Cons of DIY Smart Switches
Most smart switches require a connection to a cloud server for them to function. This means that DIY smart switches can be vulnerable to hackers and other malicious actors who may seek access to your home's network.
How safe are smart lights? ›
If it's connected to the internet, it can get hacked — yes, even some of the best smart bulbs. While smart bulbs make it easy to adjust the lighting and ambiance in your room, they connect to Wi-Fi, which makes them susceptible to attacks.
Do smart switches waste 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.
LED polarity
The voltage supply side of the diode is the positive (+) side, this is called the anode. The negative side is called the cathode. Because diodes are made of semiconductor material, they have a very specific voltage where they will turn on.
When should you not use LED bulbs? ›
LED light bulbs are safe to use in the majority of fixtures and fittings. There are some applications where specific LED bulbs should not be fully enclosed because they can overheat, which results in the bulb burning out prematurely.
Why don't we use LED lights? ›
Energy Efficiency
Similarly, LEDs do not provide the same quality of light as incandescent because LED light is a narrowly focused, non-uniform beam. Thus, LEDs are not energy efficient as claimed by the industry because they do not provide the same quality of service as incandescent and HPS.
What happens to smart lights when the power goes out? ›
Smart Lights
That being said, while these lights are smart, they are essentially the same as any other lights during a power outage, meaning they will go off.
Is it OK to leave smart lights on? ›
Yes, it is generally safe to leave your light switch on all night if you use smart bulbs.
Is it worth getting smart lights? ›
Smart bulbs tend to be the more affordable option, and the benefit is that you can use them in your existing light fixtures. However, if you're in the market for a whole new light, a smart light isn't a bad choice either.
What is the disadvantage of control system? ›
Lack of Flexibility : Control system lack in flexibility in adapting to changes. They need to be maintained regularly and modified to work in the required conditions.
What are the disadvantages of emergency lighting system? ›
The disadvantages include: Initial investment costs are high. Cost of installation is high as well since an extensive cabling system is required. Lack of proper system integrity since damage to the central battery source will blow out the entire system.
What are the disadvantages of light sensors? ›
One disadvantage is that the sensor can be influenced by environmental light, which can affect its accuracy and performance. Another disadvantage is that these systems may require a large number of photocells, which can increase the complexity and cost of the system.
What are the disadvantages of automatic street light control system? ›
Disadvantages of a Smart Street Lighting System
- High Installation and Initial Costs. Smart street lighting systems come at a premium. ...
- Maintenance Complexity. While smart street lights are designed to be low-maintenance, they are not maintenance-free. ...
- Interoperability Limitations.
