With the advent of modern technology, it’s likely you have adopted some aspects of a “smart” home: maybe your speakers are voice-controlled, or your thermostat is synced with Alexa. If you aren’t already on board the trend of home assistants, lighting is one of the easiest ways to start! Smart lighting is energy-efficient and often more affordable in the long run. Read on for our tips to get started (or expand upon!) this new evolution in lighting.
Get Bulbs That Sync To Your Home Assistant
Besides the benefit of saving energy, smart bulbs that sync with your home assistant conveniently respond to voice commands. The ability to increase brightness for reading or dim it to set the mood for guests at a simple command is what attracts many buyers to these bulbs. Besides brightness, colour and warmth or coolness can also be adjusted. These bulbs can even be programmed to turn on and off at certain times. They are an investment compared to other bulbs, with the lower-priced options starting at around 40 dollars, but they last 15 to 20 years and the benefits can’t be overlooked!
Plug In A Smart Wall Outlet
Similarly to bulbs, smart wall outlets sync with your home assistant and can be controlled by voice and programmed to suit your routine. Their price point is slightly lower than bulbs, at around 20-30 dollars, and they have the advantage of controlling multiple devices including any lighting you plug in. As a bonus, smart plugs can turn off irons, hot hair tools, and other items that may be dangerous if you forget to unplug them.
Use Bulbs That Connect To Your Phone
If you haven’t adopted a home assistant hub, this doesn’t mean you’re shut out of the smart lighting market! Some bulbs bypass an assistant and connect directly to your phone through wifi. Generally, all you need to do is download an app and you’re set. These bulbs may have slightly fewer options than those that use Alexa or Google Home, but the range of adjustments is still impressive.
Get LED Light Strips
Decorative yet practical, LED light strips can draw attention to particular areas in a room while also adding brightness where it’s needed. A bathroom is a common spot for this subtle lighting, particularly around mirrors but also to illuminate storage areas under the sink. Placing them under kitchen cabinets to shed light while cooking is also popular, as is near beds for nighttime reading. As with other smart lighting options, LED light strips to connect to your phone or home assistant and offer endless customizations.
Smart lighting is the latest wave in home tech, allowing homeowners a wide range of flexibility and control. We hope our suggestions lead you to your perfect lighting solution! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow along on the Caliber Homes blog for more home tech tips.
