If you’re looking to save on your energy bills, switching to smart light bulbs could be a good option. They are simple and cost-effective which makes them a great entry into the realm of smart homes. You can control this LED light bulb wirelessly from any device that is connected to your network, like a smartphone, a tablet or as part of a home automation system.
How Smart Light Bulb Works
Wireless technology is built right into the bulb itself which allows you to communicate with it wirelessly. This allows you to turn the bulb on or off, control brightness, or even change colors.
Where Can I Use A Smart Light Bulb?
Smart light bulbs can be used anywhere you’d use a regular light bulb. They are more suited for lamps and fixtures that are not controlled by a switch. For lights that are controlled by a switch, a smart light switch may be a better option. Some smart bulbs may be a bit more bulky than a standard light bulb, so they may not be the best choice for ceiling fans.
Setting Up A Smart Light Bulb
Setting up a smart light bulb can be done in just a few easy steps.
- Plug in the wireless hub
Some smart light bulbs come with a hub that is used for communicating with the smart bulb. If yours came with a hub plug it into a power source. - Replace your old light bulb with your new smart bulb
Your new smart light bulb screws right into your light just like a regular bulb. Just make sure you remove your old bulb first - Download the app
Visit the app store or follow the instructions that came with your smart bulb to download the app that you will use to control your new smart light bulb. - Pair the bulb with your app
Open up the app you just downloaded and follow the instructions to pair it with your new smart bulb - Label your smart bulb
After you’ve paired with your new bulb, make sure to give it a name that allows you to easily keep track of which smart bulb is which in your home.
Save Money With Smart Light Bulbs
Not only can you save money by being able to schedule when your lights turn off and turn them off wirelessly when you’re not in the room, but they are also more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. As an added bonus they also last longer, up to 20 years, so you’ll have to buy less light bulbs.
Which Smart Light Bulb is Right for Me?
While, in the end, they are all light bulbs, there are a few features to consider when choosing a smart bulb.
- Cost
Let’s start to the biggest factor when it comes to your budget and that’s how much the bulb costs. On the lower end, you can get a smart bulb for around $2, but they can go up to nearly $60, so keep an eye on price and make sure you’re only paying for what you need. - Size
Some light fixtures require different sizes, make sure the smart bulb you choose fits properly. - How it connects
Does the smart bulb require a hub? Some don’t and have everything built in, but that will make the bulb a bit more bulky. Also make sure you can pair it with any voice activated assistants, like Siri, Google Home or Alexa. - Colors and Spectrums
Many smart bulbs allow you to change colors from an entire spectrum of colors. This can allow you to have some fun and use interesting colors, and then change them whenever you want. - Brightness
Make sure you pick a bulb that is equivalent to the number of watts of your current bulbs - Bulb Design
Smart bulbs come in lots of designs and some are bulkier than others. Pick the one that is best for your usage - Scheduling
The app that comes with your new smart bulb will allow you to set schedules for when lights turn on and off. Make sure that the scheduling system with your new bulb fits your needs. - Geofencing
Geofencing allows your smart bulb to use the GPS on your phone to determine where you are and can then turn on and off your lights as needed.
The low cost of entry for smart bulbs make them an excellent way to save on energy usage and in turn save money. Since you can turn lights on and off, even when you are not home, they can also be used as a security device. Welcome to the first step towards having an energy efficient smart home.