Buyer’s Guide to the Smart Home
New technology is quickly making its way into every part of our homes—and smart lighting,
fans and more are leading the way. We’ll let you know how new tech works for your space.
Think updating your home’s technology will make your head spin? Think again. Today’s smart home features are designed to work for you, and they’re easier than ever to incorporate into your space. From saving money to added convenience and safety, smart lighting and fans can be an easy and economical way to improve your home and overall lifestyle.
When it comes to elements like smart dimmers, smart fans and rechargeable lighting, there’s a lot to consider. We’ll take you through some smart home lighting ideas to get your space tech ready.
Smart Home Benefits
Despite what movies and TV might suggest, converting your space into a smart home won’t turn your living room into a spaceship—and it won’t cost a fortune, either. Smart home devices are designed to be practical, functional, convenient and sometimes even fun.
Smart lighting can be programmed to automatically change depending on the daylight, so your home is always lit just right, and your energy usage remains in check. It can add safety to outdoor areas by automatically illuminating your driveway or entryway before you get home. Smart fans offer automated climate control, saving you money on cooling and heating costs by always keeping your home’s temperature where you want it. Plus, new lighting and fans now easily connect to smart home speakers like Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri for a touch-free experience.
Intelligent Options
Dimmers
While you may not immediately think of dimmer lights when you hear the term “smart home,” dimmers are a great way to improve the functionality of your home and can now be controlled from anywhere in the room with the addition of a smart switch. These updated switches work with existing hard-wired lighting, so you don’t have to replace your dimmable fixture to control it remotely. Wall switches, remotes and wall plates from Legrand Adorne offer various dimmer options, including kits that include everything you need to kickstart your smart home journey
Bluetooth Pairing
It’s safe to say Bluetooth has been around for a while. But there’s a reason it’s such a necessary feature for many. Bluetooth does away with WiFi while allowing you to connect your smartphone or tablet for remote control. New portable lights offer changeable dynamic color themes programmed through Bluetooth connectivity so you can control them from anywhere, plus many feature speakers to play music directly from your device.
PRO TIP
Want the fun of Bluetooth connectivity without replacing your light fixture? Smart bulbs are your answer. They install into fixtures like regular light bulbs and can pair with your smartphone or a handheld remote via Bluetooth.
Motion Sensors
Lights that are activated by movement have a wide range of benefits. They save energy and time while adding an element of safety by remaining at the ready if you need guidance walking outdoors at night. Motion-sensing lights can also be programmed to turn on or off at specific times, saving you the hassle of trying to remember if you turned the lights off in an unoccupied room.
Smart Fans
Not just sophisticated in style, smart ceiling fans deliver high-tech features like thermostat integration, voice control, motion sensors, smart home device integration, remote control and much more. The newest fans take energy efficiency to a new level through built-in sensors that automatically recognize changes in the room’s temperature and humidity and act accordingly to maintain the desired atmosphere. Smart ceiling fans with lights often pair with smartphones and tablets through Bluetooth or apps, allowing easy control of their illumination settings.
PRO TIP
Not sure where to begin? You don’t have to start from scratch. Smart fans can be installed brand new or an existing fan can be retrofit with a dedicated device. See our Buyer’s Guide to Smart Fans for more.
Lighted Mirrors
Don’t overlook the ability to update your bathroom spaces! Lighted smart mirrors offer a range of features that will optimize and energize your morning routine, including motion sensors, integrated LEDs and even touch screen displays that play video and stream audio without disrupting the reflection.
From saving money to saving energy to saving time, these smart-home solutions are designed to make your life easier and more functional—and they don’t sacrifice a bit of style doing it.
