Ready to delve into smart homes and transform the way the home works? Smart home integration for many begins with smart lighting integrations. This is often the easiest place to start and can allow homeowners to see a big difference in what they can do with their home right away. Before jumping in and buying smart bulbs for the whole house, though, there are some key considerations homeowners should be aware of that can impact how they integrate smart home lighting.
Bulbs or Switches?
The biggest question before starting smart lighting integration is whether to use smart bulbs or smart switches. Bulbs are often easier for homeowners just getting into smart homes, but they can end up being more complicated if the power goes out and they need to be reset. Switches can require professional installations, but it’s easier to reset them if needed, and if the bulb needs to be replaced, it doesn’t mean having to set up smart home devices again.
Where to Start
Most of the time, homeowners will want to start with a few rooms in the home instead of jumping in and installing smart bulbs or switches throughout the house. This gives them a slower start, but allows them to see how they will use the devices and the benefits they can get from them. To start, it can be a good idea to consider the living room and the bedrooms. Smart lights in the living room allow for scene-setting while watching TV or relaxing. Smart lights in the bedrooms can make it easier to dim the lights at bedtime, set up easy-to-use lights for kids at night, and more.
Automation and Scenes
Automation is often the goal when creating a smart home, as the desire is for the home to work for the homeowner. Homeowners will want to think about what they want to automate and what they expect from it. For instance, they can create a morning routine that turns on the kitchen lights or implement geofencing that automatically turns off all lights when the homeowner leaves and turns on certain ones when they return at the end of the day. They can also create scenes to adjust the lighting to their needs when they’re relaxing, working, or doing other tasks around the house.
Check Installation Requirements
Smart bulbs simply replace standard bulbs, but they do need to be set up to integrate with the home’s internet and smart devices for full automation and control. This can be complicated depending on what the homeowner is using. Smart switches will need to be installed in the home and may have certain requirements that can be challenging to meet in older homes. It is a good idea to check the installation requirements before beginning, as it may be beneficial to work with an expert and have them handle the installation to minimize potential issues.
If you’re ready to start transforming your home into a smart home, take the time to think about the most important components and how to make it all work for you. Professional help is avaialble if you’re interested in making sure everything is done right, want to future-proof the home, or want to have technical help with the installations. Schedule a consultation now to learn more about how they can help integrate smart lighting in your home.
