Joe Borges
Techno Joe
"Smart light bulbs are a great option if you want to add coloured lighting to an area or if you want to control individual lights that are currently connected to the same light switch."
If you're in the market for smart lighting solutions, it's likely you've come across both smart light bulbs and smart switches. Both are great options for upgrading your home's lighting system and allow you to control your lights remotely through an app or virtual assistant, set schedules to turn on or off at certain times, and even integrate with other smart devices in your home to provide security and energy savings. However, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision on which to choose.
Smart light bulbs, such as those made by Philips Hue or LIFX, are easily installed by simply screwing them into a light socket. These bulbs can offer a wide range of colours and brightness levels and can even be set to simulate a sunset or sunrise to help regulate sleep patterns.
Smart light bulbs are a great option if you want to add coloured lighting to an area or if you want to control individual lights that are currently connected to the same light switch. There are the ideal choice for accent lighting but can become an expensive option if you want to control an area which has a large numbers of lights.
Another thing to consider with smart light bulbs is they require constant power. If you replace all the lights in an area with smart bulbs and you want to be able to control them remotely or on a schedule you need to keep the light switch turned on or bypass the switch completely. Both these options prevent the lights from being controlled in the traditional manner and can become an annoyance if someone wants to quickly change the lighting situation.
Smart switches, such as the Wemo or Leviton, are installed in place of traditional light switches and control the power to the lights in a room. They are a great option for those who want to add the modern convenience of smart lighting but need to maintain the traditional functionality to control the lights. They are also a cost-effective solution to controlling the lighting in an area where a single light switch controls a larger number for lights.
However, smart switches only provide on-off and dimming capabilities and the installation is not a straightforward as smart light bulbs and may require an electrician.
In summary, both smart light bulbs and smart switches have their own unique features and benefits. Smart bulbs offer a wide range of colors and brightness levels, while smart switches maintain the traditional look of a home and offer the ability to control multiple lights at once. Ultimately, a complete home solution will normally utilize a combination of both smart light bulbs and smart switches based on personal preference and specific needs.
If you are interested in installing smart lighting or other smart home technologies and need help with planning and installation, contact Joe Borges at [email protected] or 204-479-3913.
