Smart Bulbs: How Do Smart Lights Work

How often do you forget to switch off your standard bulbs every time you leave a room?

At the start of this decade, a lot of manufacturers are blessing us with smart devices left, right, and center. Now thanks to smart bulbs, we can say top too. As the year progresses, there is fast-rising popularity and demand for these bulbs.

But if we’re being honest, the hype really does cover up the fact that most people don’t understand what they do, how they work, or even why they need them. Well, worry not – we are here to save you!

First Things First, What Are They?

Calm down, it’s not rocket science. Smart bulbs are products much like traditional bulbs. You can still remotely control them via a voice assistant, your devices, or a Smart Light Switch. As their popularity increases, some types come with dimming or color change options, meaning you can simply control their brightness without having to get up.

Okay, Then, How Do They Work?

On the most fundamental grounds, all you need to do is download the accompanying app and sync your bulbs to get the system going.

However, some will require a hub to function. This is a platform that allows for wireless connection between your devices and the smart bulbs or switches. Simply plug it into your router. On the other hand, some smart bulbs light switches can function on Wi-Fi utility to communicate with other devices. On the downside, they are liable to be affected by the range limits of your network.

A Smart Home Assistant is a great starting point because it can work as a hub for connecting your Z-Wave devices or Zigbee. Be keen when purchasing your smart bulbs homekit to ensure compatibility. Otherwise, you must get an extra hub to act as an intermediary.

The most common hub in use is the Zigbee – a wireless network that connects all your smart gadgets. Even though they are not necessarily mandatory, other options tend to get messy and inconvenient. Working with a specific hub offers boosted connectivity and extra features, allowing you to organize your lighting. What’s more, they support 5G connections.

Why You Need a Smart Bulb

How much do you know about smart bulbs?

Regardless of how you say it, technology is really doing it for us, and all you have to do is tap on a button. How cool is that! Now that you’ve got your smart lights, you can explore so many features based on different triggers, events, or manual control.

For instance, geo-tech features allow your lights to turn on once your device connects to your Wi-Fi network as you get home. What’s more, you can edit sensors to trigger lights when you walk to a particular area in your house. If you’re on the extra side, you can activate the smart bulbs exterior “If This Then That” feature. Pretty awesome, huh?

If you can’t get around to fixing your sleep cycles, then maybe you should handle your lighting first. Getting yourself a smart light kit can help you fix your biological clock by simulating day or night brightness in your room.

Depending on the brand you settle for, you can automatically sync your alarms with your lights.

How Much They Will Cost You

Smart bulbs might be costlier compared to the standard version, but you save a lot more in the long run

Well, obviously, like any smart home care products on the market, Smart Bulbs will definitely cost you more compared to the conventional ones.

Depending on the brand, popularity, the quality, and the reviews, the basic price bracket plays within $15 to $50. If you fancy a little variation, get smart bulbs color changers for less than $30.

However, you can be certain that these bulbs will be giving you a run for your money. For instance, you’ll enjoy smart bulb light for up to 25,000 hours before you can start thinking of replacements. This is a significantly longer service compared to the standard lighting options.

What You Should Know Before Getting Smart Lights

To ensure your bulbs are working properly, always download the accompanying app on your phone.

When out shopping, it would be worthwhile to add smart switches and plugs to your cart. Smart plugs are pretty convenient since they can automate anything plugged into them to control them using your voice assistant. Also, they can come in handy when using decorative string lights.

The best thing about smart switches is that even when you turn off the switch’s lights, voice commands and controls can still work.

Don’t use your smart bulb with dimmer switches. Technically, the lights come with a built-in dimming feature, meaning that if you use an add-on fixture, the entire system might crash. Generally, the in-built dimming feature works great. Just don’t pair them with fixtures that have their own dimmer.

Conclusion

The technicalities involved with this upgrade should not be why you are missing out on the fun, convenience, and energy-saving options. If you would like to ease into this without complications, settle for smart bulbs that come with their own bridge, such as the Philips Hue brand.

Have you tried using smart bulbs at home or in your office? What’s your experience?

Author’s Bio:

Kevin is a content writer for about 3 years. He studied Design and Arts at College in Pennsylvania. A fan of home interior design and, he has taken it upon himself to spread his love for decorating homes by informing people on some of his ideas through his articles.