Five benefits of using smart switches

There are loads of reasons to beef up your home with a smart switch.

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.

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.

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.)