Transform Your Home into a Smart Haven: Why Smart Switches Are a Must-Have
The electrical industry is constantly evolving to make lighting fixtures and even entire installations more efficient and convenient. As the market for smart home products continues to grow in popularity, we’re taking a look at smart switches in particular and educating you about the benefits of making changes to your home or business.
Pre-Scheduled Power
We’ve all been there: coming home late at night and having to stumble to find a light switch with only a cell phone flashlight to get help, or even leaving the house and realizing we forgot to turn off the light.
However, this problem can be a thing of the past if you invest in smart switches. These switches are easy to operate from anywhere using a smartphone app, and you can set up a schedule for your lights to turn on and off based on your specific needs.
Easy Installation
In addition to all of their additional features, it is incredibly easy to upgrade from traditional switches to smart switches, often only requiring a neutral wire or sometimes nothing at all.
Not only does this make the transition easier, but it’s also a job you can do yourself. However, if you have no experience with this type of work, it is best to contact a qualified electrician first.
Once your smart switches are installed, simply download the smartphone app designed for each device or also purchase a corresponding smart hub, which also offers the ability to control many smart home devices at the same time.
Not just for Lighting
Although smart switches are most commonly used to remotely control lighting, it is important to remember that smart switches can be used anywhere in a home or business for any hardwired device that is controlled by a switch.
Examples of this include ceiling and exhaust fans, garbage disposal units and of course any lighting fixtures you may have. If you are unsure whether a device can be controlled by a Smart Switch, contact an local electrician in Denver or contact the manufacturer of the switch and/or device.
Energy Efficiency
Although the switch itself uses slightly more power than a standard switch, the ability to prevent energy-wasting user behavior can have a significant impact on your energy bills.
According to smart switch manufacturer Lutron via home improvement retailer Rise¹, “Homeowners could achieve energy savings of up to 60% by using smart switches with dimming and occupancy detection capabilities.”.
Longevity
Most, if not all, electrical appliances experience wear and tear over the years and can eventually become damaged. However, some have suggested that smart switches may last longer than standard switches, assuming that all of the switch’s mechanical parts can withstand a certain amount of stress.
Physical wear and tear can be reduced because smart switches controlled via smartphone apps or voice commands do not need to be operated as frequently, increasing the longevity of the switch itself.
Due to the limited use of mains power in kinetic and Wi-Fi powered smart switches, some manufacturers claim that these switches could last between 50 and 60 years, compared to an average lifespan of 20 years for a light switch standard.
If you’re looking for an innovative upgrade to your switches, At McBride Lighting & Electrical we install electrical smart switches perfect for any home or business from the biggest brands in the smart home market. You can contact McBride Lighting & Electrical for other electrical services.
