Smart technology advances don’t only include property security, audio and visual improvements; it also incorporates lighting. However, many people are confused about whether they should only be buying smart light bulbs or installing smart light switches.
Many electricians are still unfamiliar with smart lighting technology, so they may be convinced that their customers need to have one or the other, but not both. At the end of the day, each customer’s needs are different, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution to their needs.
You can add smart light bulbs to your rooms to bring an excellent level of mood lighting to enhance the atmosphere. There is no longer any need to have stark, bright white bulbs that are either switched on or off. Smart light bulbs are a more user-friendly option to suit your family’s needs in your home or the staff in your workplace.
The pros and cons of smart bulbs only
If you decide to install smart light bulbs without changing your wall light switch, there is a risk that someone will switch off your standard wall switch to turn off the lights. Once this happens, the power to the smart bulb’s wireless communicator will be cut too.
This means that you will lose the ability to wirelessly control your smart light bulb until you manually turn the wall switch back on. This is a common issue when family members, visitors, or staff don’t know how to use a smart light bulb, but everyone knows how to use a light switch.
On the positive side, smart light bulbs are a doddle to install. Replacing a standard light bulb with a smart bulb is as simple as unscrewing the old bulb and screwing in the smart bulb.
When a smart light switch may be better
If you choose to replace your old wall light switch with a smart switch, it will give you complete control over the power of your light fixtures.
You can choose to install standard light bulbs, and this may be a good option for workplaces such as boardrooms, offices and meeting rooms when you can quickly kill the lights for workplace video presentations and training films etc.
When you work in an environment that doesn’t need mood lighting or colour-changing bulbs, smart light switches are usually the best option.
Smart wall switches are invaluable for properties where you have a light fixture that requires multiple light bulbs. It can be far more cost-effective to install one smart light switch rather than replace each of your standard light bulbs with a smart bulb.
However, the downside of going with smart light switches is that their installation needs you to remove the old standard wall switches before replacing them with a smart switch. This isn’t a long or complicated job for our team at JVB Solutions, and we can quickly and efficiently swap out your standard light switches for smart switches at a convenient time for you.
You can find out more about our smart home & audio visual services, or contact us to discuss your smart lighting needs.