In today’s world, everything is becoming smarter—our phones, laptops, and even our cars. So why should our homes lag behind?
Everyone wants a smart home, but the problem is that no one has really explained how to achieve that. Three Ways to Make Your Home Smart
- Smart Lighting: The first method is upgrading your lighting system. You can install smart lights that connect to your mobile device, allowing you to control them remotely. These lights can follow commands and make your home more convenient.
- Smart Switchboards: The second method involves upgrading your switchboards. By replacing your traditional switches with smart ones, you can automate the entire electrical system in your home.
- Wired Automation: The third method is wired automation, which is the most reliable but also the most expensive. This approach is ideal for new constructions as it integrates smart technology throughout the entire house.
These three topics are extensive enough that covering them all in one video is not feasible. So, we will create separate videos for each method. In today’s video, we will focus on how to make your lighting smart.
Benefits of Smart Lighting
Smart lighting offers several advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Since you don’t have to change your existing wiring or switchboards, you can save money while upgrading your home.
- Versatile Lighting Options: Smart lights allow you to adjust the color temperature—switching between warm white, cool white, or even various colors based on your mood. Some smart lights offer up to 16 million color options!
To illustrate how to install and operate smart lights, we’ve selected a specific area where we will install them for demonstration.
Choosing the Right Brand
One of the first questions you might have is, which brand of smart lights should you choose? While local brands may offer decent products, their apps are often unreliable. A good app is crucial for operating smart lights effectively. Poor app performance can lead to frustration if the lights fail to respond to your commands. Investing in a reputable brand ensures better reliability and longevity.
Installation and Types of Smart Lights
You don’t need to call an electrician for smart light installation; a local electrician can handle it easily. Common types of smart lights include:
- Concealed Lights: Ideal for general lighting, these are hidden within the ceiling.
- LED Strip Lights: These are great for accent lighting and can create beautiful ambiance.
- Smart Plugs: If you want to make non-smart appliances smart, you can use smart plugs to control devices like irons or mixers through your mobile app.
Once installed, you’ll need the corresponding app to control the lights. The app’s name varies by brand, and I’ve provided links in the description below for your convenience.
Setting Up and Features
Smart lights not only allow you to change colors but also let you schedule them to turn on and off at specific times. You can set your lights to turn on at 6 AM in a cool white tone or dim them at 8 PM for a cozy evening atmosphere.
Another fantastic feature is the preset modes, which adjust the lighting based on activities—watching TV or creating a romantic mood, for example. The “Space Sense” feature detects movement in the room and automatically turns the lights on or off, conserving energy.
Cost and Setup
You might be wondering about the costs involved in upgrading your lights. For a typical bedroom, you could spend between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 to install smart lights. The actual amount depends on how many rooms you wish to upgrade.
Furthermore, you can integrate these lights with voice assistants like Google Home or Alexa for even greater convenience.
