Most people don’t pay the tiniest bit of attention to light switches, but that could change if you decide to kit out your home or office with smart switches. These clever bits of tech can become vital components in a powerful system of connected smart home hardware. Lets discuss smart switch.
How do smart switches work?
Smart switches add tech-powered functionality to your home while still fitting into the spaces and back boxes occupied by your existing wall switches, making them incredibly convenient. These switches still work as conventional light switches, but they add clever features like:
- Smart dimmer switch capabilities
- Extra buttons for granular control
- Remote control functionality for altering lights on the move
- Ability to control other appliances and respond to voice commands
You can mix and match to your heart’s content, but smart light-switch functionality boils down to one key concept: It connects to your home Wi-Fi network so you can manage it (and any others you install) from devices like Android and iOS smartphones. The switches then use this network connection to communicate with your smart bulbs and other smart hardware.
Smart switch advantages
There are loads of reasons to beef up your home with a smart switch. Let’s take a look at the top four.
1. Next-level convenience
One of the biggest benefits is one of the simplest: convenience. After all, who wouldn’t prefer controlling their home lighting from their smartphone rather than having to get up from the couch and flick switches? Whether you’re turning light fixtures on and off or dimming them, life with a smart switch has never been easier.
2. Schedule almost everything
And the convenience factor doesn’t stop there. Scheduling options are routinely included with smart switches, which means you can set your lights to behave differently at different times of day. Enjoy cozier, soft lighting in the evening, or make your light brighten gently to help you wake up naturally in the morning. A smart light switch like the Topgreener In-Wall offers this functionality at a solid price.
3. Efficiency through tech cooperation
Buying a smart switch with certain features or combining a smart switch with other hardware can usher in a new era of convenience by way of automation. You could use a smart switch alongside a motion sensor to ensure that your lights turn on when your car rolls into the driveway. You could even turn the heating or air conditioning on and activate a playlist as part of the same schedule, an especially nice perk for when you’re on your way home from work or a vacation. The Eve Button is an excellent choice for these features, and it offers great integration with other smart home devices.
Conversely, you could combine motion sensors and a smart switch so that the lights turn off when you leave the house. Many smart switches are also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, so it’s easier to integrate them with your existing technology.
4. Save money and improve security
There are big advantages beyond convenience. You can save money by using motion sensors and scheduling to make sure your lights aren’t on when they’re not needed, and they can improve home security, because turning lights on can deter thieves. Last, smart switches just look sleeker than conventional switches thanks to better design.
If you’re thinking about a smart switch, bear in mind that most of them require a neutral wire to work properly. Most homes have these, but if you live in a particularly old building, then you may not have the relevant wiring. (Speak with a local electrician for guidance.)
Smart switches to consider
There are plenty of smart switches available at a variety of prices. An entry-level product like the Etekcity Smart Wi-Fi switch offers smartphone control and scheduling along with compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Philips Hue Tap ties into the Hue system, which is one of the most popular smart lighting solutions around. The Tap has three customizable buttons: touch control, smartphone integration, and kinetic control, so no batteries are required. You can even remote it from the wall to use as a remote control. It’s a fantastic product, but this is an example of a smart switch that ties into a larger ecosystem, because the Hue Tap won’t work without a Philips Hue Bridge, for instance.
Want to see even more ways to make your home “smart”? You’ll find an impressive selection of smart switches, accessories, outlets, routers, and remotes right here at Adorama from brands like Samsung, Vivitar, and more.
