Smart light switches can be a great option to reduce your energy usage and save money on your electric bill. Smart light switches and dimmers are WiFi enabled switches that replace your current light switch to control the lights, remotely, throughout your home. They are also a great alternative to smart light bulbs.
How Smart Light Switches Work
Smart light switches and dimmers replace your current light switch, which means it must be connected to your electrical system so that it can control the flow of electricity to your lighting. Smart light switches also connect to your home WiFi network, so that you can use a smartphone app or home assistant device to control or schedule your lights.
Where Can I Use a Smart Light Switch?
A smart light switch can be used to replace any light switch that you currently have. It’s good to confirm that you have a strong WiFi signal everywhere you decide to install your new smart light switches so that you won’t have any issues controlling your lighting remotely.
Installing a Smart Light Switch
Smart light switch installation is pretty straightforward, but does require you to work with your home’s electric system, so make sure to follow these steps. If at any point you have concerns or are unsure what to do, contact a licensed electrician.
- Turn Off The Power
Make sure that the power to the switch you are working on is turned off. The easiest way to do this is to flip off the circuit breaker that powers that switch. If you are not sure which breaker controls the switch you are working on you may need to test a few breakers first. Before testing the breaker, turn on the lighting the switch controls, make sure all sensitive electrical items are turned off and flip off the breaker. If the light has turned off, you have found the correct breaker. - Remove the old switch
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the wall plate into the wall. It’s best to then use a voltage tester to on the exposed black wire connected to the switch just to double check that the power is disconnected. Next identify the wires that are connected to your switch. Most switches will have a black, a red, a green or copper (ground), and a white (neutral) wire. Older homes may not have a ground or neutral wire, if that is the case, make sure that you purchase a compatible smart switch. Finally disconnect the wires from your old switch. - Install the new switch
Connect the wires to your new switch. Make sure to match up the wires to the correct locations. Each one should be colored or labeled. Carefully push the wires back into the switch box in the wall. Finally, secure the switch cover back into place. - Turn the power back on
Head back to your circuit breaker box and flip the breaker you turned off, back on. If everything was installed properly, you should be able to run your lighting on and off using your new smart switch. - Download the app
If you haven’t already, now is the time to download the app that goes with your new smart switch. This will allow you to connect your new switch to your home’s WiFi network.
Save Money with Smart Light Switches
Not only can you turn off your lights remotely, in the case you forgot, you can also set schedules to turn your lights on and off to optimize your energy usage. If you have dimmable bulbs in your light fixtures, you can also dim your lights to save on energy consumption.
Choosing a Smart Light Switch
Which smart light switch is right for you? There are a lot of choices out there, so here are a few key features to keep in mind as you choose your new smart light switch.
- Cost
Most smart switches cost anywhere from $30 to $60, depending on which features the switch has. Choose the one that fits best in your budget. - Smart App
Check out the reviews for the app that runs your smart switch. Make sure it’s easy to use and fits your needs. - Single pole or three-way switch
If your lighting is controlled from one switch then you need a single-pole switch. If it is controlled by multiple switches you will need a three-way switch. Both types of switches are available from most companies. - Ground or neutral wire
As mentioned above, some homes may not have a ground or neutral wire. Some switches require a ground and/or neutral wire. Make sure the smart switch you purchase works with your home’s wiring. - Dimming Ability
Some switches have the ability to dim your lights, but not all have this feature. - How it connects
Just like smart light bulbs, some smart switches require a centralized hub to connect to your wireless network. Others have everything built in and don’t require a hub. - Geofencing
Geofencing allows your smart switch to use the GPS on your phone to determine where you are and can then turn on and off your lights as needed.
Although installing a smart light switch is quite a bit more involved than a smart light bulb, it can allow you to benefit from the smart features for multiple light bulbs. All in all smart switches are a great addition to your smart home and can help you save money and use less energy.