Smart Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Home outdoor lighting is a great way to provide security, safety, and decorative elements to your home’s exterior. However, none of those purposes can be fulfilled unless you’re there to turn the lights on and off. This leaves your home vulnerable to home invasions and takes away the curb appeal of outdoor lighting. Now, thanks to technology, you can control your lights whether you’re home or away with smart outdoor lighting. Choose from smart fixtures, switches, or bulbs to conveniently operate your lights any time, any place.

Smart Fixtures

Choose to either convert existing fixtures into smart fixtures with retrofit kits or swap out them out completely for decorative smart lighting. Retrofit kits don’t require rewiring, an ideal option if you don’t have electrical experience. Smart fixtures come equipped with features that help beef up security, such as automated sensors and cameras with speakers that you can operate remotely.

Motion and light sensors

Motion and light sensors don’t require an internet connection or app to work. Because fixtures are activated by movement or light, they save energy. Customize motion zones and adjust sensitivity if necessary. Pair the sensors to your phone and automatically receive alerts if the sensors are activated.  Install motion-sensor wall lanterns for your driveway, porch, or next to your front door to deter unwanted guests.

Video and audio monitoring

Integrate cameras and speakers with your lighting fixture to communicate with anyone who sets foot on your property. Receive alerts on your phone and monitor your home via a live video feed. Pair cameras with motion sensors that record movement once lights are activated. Some setups let you send live or recorded messages over the intercom. Others trigger loud sirens to alert neighbors of potential trespassers. However, you may have to pay a video storage feed if you want to view the footage long after its recording.

Smart lighting fixtures include path lights, deck lights, spotlights, and floodlights among others. Use color-changing smart path lights for visual appeal or spotlights to highlight foliage and architectural features. Install a smart floodlight with a wide-angle security camera capable of reaching over 40ft. Its 45 degree spread is perfect for wide areas, such as your driveway or large front yard. Smart solar lights are also available that can last 20 hours when charged. However, they may not be bright enough.

Smart Switches

If you don’t want to make any changes to your existing fixture, then consider installing a smart switch. They connect to your fixtures via an internet connection or home platform, such as Google assistant or Alexa, and can be operated by voice control. Some fixtures pair with smart speakers to use the voice control feature.

Simply plug your fixture into a smart outdoor plug. You can opt for outdoor waterproof smart plugs that you can control through an app or voice control. Program your lights to turn on according to the available outdoor light. This feature is perfect for the approaching winter season, when days become shorter. Smart switches also let you program times and schedules to activate your lights, so you don’t have to worry about whether you’ve turned them off while laying comfortably in bed or forgetting to turn them on before leaving the house. Some switches are equipped with dimmers, allowing you to control ambiance on your porch or entryway.

Inexpensive smart switches with basic remote on/off functionality are available for less than $50. If you’re willing to spend more, you can buy switches with built-in sensors for motion, temperature, and ambient light. Smart switches are hard-wired, so they will operate regardless of whether the switch is on or off.

Smart Bulbs

Even bulbs can be automated and controlled remotely using your phone, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Keep in mind, using Wi-Fi may result in a delayed response if other devices are connected to the network. And if your internet goes down, then the bulbs won’t function at all. Bulbs connected to Bluetooth can’t be controlled remotely once you’re out of range.

Similar to traditional LEDs, smart bulbs use less energy and have a long life span. They can pair with other devices, such as your video doorbell. That way, the lights turn on the moment someone rings the bell. There are cheap smart LEDs that work with home platforms so you have remote control or programming capabilities. The more expensive option offers bulbs that connect directly to Wi-Fi or have color-changing features, perfect for ambiance.

Before deciding on smart bulbs, there are a few things to consider. Their automation features only function when the switch is on. Be mindful of the bulbs’ ratings. Indoor bulbs can be used outdoors in covered areas, such as patios. However, outdoor-rated bulbs are better equipped for outside elements. Smart bulbs are more expensive upfront, but they last longer and offer a variety of features. Because they are available in a wide range of sizes, they are compatible with all types of fixtures. So, you don’t have to worry about having to replace any lighting fixtures.

With smart outdoor lighting you’ll no longer have to ask your neighbors to check on your home while you’re away. It’s ideal if you’re constantly travelling and want to keep an eye on your property. Now, you can conveniently control every aspect of your security and maintain your home’s curb appeal regardless of your location.

Sources

https://www.cnet.com/news/smart-outdoor-lighting-options/

Smart lights are a great way to add convenience, alluring visuals, or security to your outdoor lighting. Smart bulbs sync with your home network, phone, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Features depend on the bulb. Some LEDs allow you to set times or control your home lights remotely. Some pricier bulbs connect to Wi-Fi or having color changing features. You must leave the switch on for bulbs to work.

Some smart switches have dimmers, are compatible with multiple platforms and voice assistants. Some have built-in voice assistants. Basic models that have remote on/off function are the cheaper options.

Pricier ones have built-in sensors for motion, temperature, and ambient light and built-in Alexa voice controls. You can automate outdoor light. They will always work even if turned off because they’re hard-wired.