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When shopping for a smart switch, keep in mind what kind of smart devices and assistants are already in your home or you may own down the road. Again, it's convenient, and there's also something that feels slightly futuristic about saying, "Hey Google, turn off all the lights" as you're walking out of the house. Most smart switches are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri (or some combination of the three), enabling voice commands and further integration with your smart home. Try These Energy-Saving Tips for Renters to Lower Your Utility Bills.You Can Actually Save Money by Using Electricity at These Specific Times.Plus, the ability to remotely flip a light switch on or off, or set it to a timer to do so automatically, can add a level of security to your home while you're away. I'm kidding a bit with the couch thing (though I've definitely been there), but the fact remains that controlling your light switches via an app on your phone or simply saying, "Alexa, turn on the lights" is convenient. Sure, you can walk over to a light switch and flip it on or off, or maybe adjust the dimmer setting, but what about when you're away? Or, even more importantly, when you're comfy on the couch and want to turn the lights down without standing up? Such situations, among others, are where a smart switch will come in handy. I get it: "Why would I need a smart version of something that's literally as simple as flipping a switch?" I can think of a few reasons, but it ultimately comes down to what justifies almost every smart home technology: convenience. They'll run you a bit more than standard switches and may require a bit of know-how to install, but you may find smart switches to be well worth the small trouble. Smart switches are available online or at your local big-box hardware store and come in a variety of colors and configurations, including dimmer settings. No electrical changes have been at all.īeing a layperson, my best guess is that our electrician used crappy switches (like the bulbs) and they are all starting to short.There's a smart version of just about everything you can plug in, from TVs to refrigerators and even the plug itself, but what about the switches that control power to said devices and other fixtures in your home? You'll want a smart switch for that, of course. For a few months prior, they were doing the "halfway switch to turn off" thing.Ħ. Today (36 months after moving in) the two overhead lights in the mudroom will not turn off at all. (So they are 3-way switches, right?) Didn't call pro.ĥ. Two switches control this one overhead light. Another overhead light will now only turn off by putting switch in halfway position. (That would make them 4-way switches if I understand correctly, right?) Didn't call pro. This group of lights is controlled by 3 switches. 12 months after moving in one group of overhead can lights will only switch off if the switch is in the halfway position. He determined that the installer had just used really crappy cheap bulbs and even some "pre-owned" bulbs in most of the fixtures.
#2 lights one switch pro#
Concerned that we are having surges I had a pro check things out. 6 months after moving in multiple light bulbs burnt over the course of a month. House is only 3 years old, no electrical problems for first 6 months, everything worked properly.Ģ. I'm trying to figure out if my problem is most likely at the switch (which I can replace myself) or something more complicated (in which case I would call a pro).ġ.
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