{"id":797,"date":"2023-03-01T18:34:25","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T18:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/techgoodandbad.com\/?p=797"},"modified":"2023-03-04T07:00:25","modified_gmt":"2023-03-04T07:00:25","slug":"smart-lighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/techgoodandbad.com\/smart-lighting\/","title":{"rendered":"Smart Lighting: A Smarter Way to Illuminate Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Article Summary<\/h4>\n

Smart lighting is the latest buzz in home automation and for good reason. I cover many features & details, as well as answer common questions, that help explain why adding smart lighting might be the next great addition to your home.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Smart lighting is the latest trend in home automation and it’s not difficult to see why. As a home automation enthusiast, I can confidently say that smart lighting is a trend that deserves all the attention it’s getting given it’s ease of application and the convenience it offers to its users.<\/p>\n

For example, if you are wanting the convenience of having\u00a0 your home lights turning ON or OFF at certain times or on a specific schedule, smart lighting is a great solution. Another scenario might be, while on vacation, you get that nagging feeling of dread that you forgot to turn off your living room and bedrooms lights before you left? Well, I know that feeling all too well. With the ability to control and customize the lighting in your home remotely using an app on your phone or through a website account associated with your smart lighting system, that nagging feeling is alleviated in an instance.<\/p>\n

Given that smart lighting options have become an essential part of modern living and I finally came to terms with wanting to learn more to see what was really out there and how it could make my life easier or better. My goal was to\u00a0 pull together all of the useful information along with answers to the questions that I myself had.<\/p>\n

In this article, I will explore the different types of smart lighting, the benefits of using it, the various features that smart lighting systems offer, and what to consider when choosing a system for your home.<\/p>\n

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What is Smart Lighting?<\/h2>\n

Smart lighting refers to lighting that is controlled and automated through a variety of devices such as smartphones, voice-activated assistants, and smart home systems. Smart lighting technology has been around for a few years, but has recently gained momentum, thanks to the advent of low-cost Wi-Fi-connected smart bulbs and the popularity of smart home devices.<\/p>\n

The benefits of using smart lighting are numerous, and the technology has the potential to save you money, improve your health and safety, and enhance your overall quality of life. Smart lighting can be used to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion, enhance your home’s security, and reduce your energy bills.<\/p>\n

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Types of Smart Lighting<\/h2>\n

There are several types of smart lighting, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of smart lighting:<\/p>\n

Wi-Fi Enabled Bulbs<\/h3>\n

\"Control<\/p>\n

Wi-Fi enabled bulbs are the most popular type of smart lighting and perhaps the easiest to implement. They serve as replacement bulbs for existing light fixtures (unscrew the old light bulb and screw in the replacement smart light bulb). They connect directly to your home’s Wi-Fi network and can be controlled using your smartphone or other smart devices. These bulbs come in a variety of colors, brightness levels, and shapes, allowing you to customize your lighting to fit any mood or occasion.<\/p>\n

One of the main advantages of Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs is that they do not require a hub or central controller, but instead can be controlled though an app (application) on your smartphone or mobile device or in some case, by accessing a user account using a computer or mobile device web browser. This means that they are very easy to set up and use, and you can control them remotely from anywhere you have access to an internet connection.<\/p>\n

Smart Switches<\/h3>\n

Smart switches are a popular alternative to Wi-Fi enabled bulbs. They replace your traditional light switch and connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Smart switches are a great option if you want to keep your existing light fixtures, but still want the convenience and flexibility of smart lighting.<\/p>\n

Smart switches can be controlled using a smartphone, voice-activated assistants, or a central controller. Some smart switches also offer dimming capabilities and can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times.<\/p>\n

Smart Plugs<\/h3>\n

Smart plugs are another popular option for implementing smart lighting. They allow you to control your existing light fixtures by simply plugging them into a smart plug and connecting it to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Smart plugs are a great option if you want to control existing lamps or other devices that are not connected to a switch.<\/p>\n

Smart plugs can be controlled using a smartphone or voice-activated assistants, and some models also offer scheduling and automation features.<\/p>\n

Smart Light Strips<\/h3>\n

Smart light strips are a great option if you want to add some color or mood lighting to your home. They are flexible strips of LED lights that can be placed under cabinets, behind TVs, or around doorways. Smart light strips are often sold in kits that include a controller and remote, or they can be controlled using a smartphone.<\/p>\n

Smart light strips offer a wide range of color options and can be programmed to change colors based on the time of day or to suit your mood.<\/p>\n

Smart Lamps<\/h3>\n

Smart lamps are a great option if you want to add smart lighting to your home, but do not want to replace your existing fixtures. Smart lamps are typically table lamps that are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled using a smartphone or voice-activated assistants.<\/p>\n

Smart lamps come in a variety of styles and colors and can be customized to fit your needs.<\/p>\n

Here is a youtube video by Smart Home Solver<\/a> that goes into detail about comparing smart light switches and smart light bulbs. The video isn’t very long at 5:32 and gives some good insights into why you might want to chose one smart option over the other.<\/p>\n