Section 2. Adding Smart Lighting, Outlets, and Switches
Lighting is the foundation of a smart home. You can start with simple solutions:
- Smart Bulbs. These can be easily screwed into standard light fixtures and instantly provide new features: brightness adjustment, color temperature control, color changing, and scheduling. You can control the lighting via an app or voice commands.
- Smart Switches. If you have multiple lights in one area, it’s more cost-effective to replace a traditional switch with a smart one. This allows you to control the lighting without changing all the bulbs. Smart switches can be installed both during renovations and in an existing home by calling an electrician.
- Smart Outlets. These can turn almost any device into a smart one. Simply plug a regular fan, kettle, or lamp into a smart outlet, and you’ll be able to turn it on/off remotely and set up schedules.
Benefits of Smart Solutions:
- Energy savings – Lights and devices can be automatically turned off when no one is in the room.
- Convenience – Control from your phone or with voice commands without getting up from the couch.
- Automation – Create scenarios like soft lighting in the morning or automatic power-off when leaving the house.
How to Choose the Right Devices?
- Ensure compatibility with your ecosystem (Alice, Google Assistant, HomeKit, etc.).
- Check the connection type – Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Bluetooth. Wi-Fi is convenient, but Zigbee devices are more stable when using a large number of gadgets.
- Look for automation options and remote control capabilities
