Smart Home Switches: It's as easy as 1-2-3
Last week, I wrote a blog titled, 'Creating a Smart Home'. In that blog, I went into some good, better, and best options. This week, I'm going to specifically talk about Smart Home Switches. Why? Well - I'm using them in our investment property Love At First Sight. This project is all ready to turn over to my real estate agent. You can read about removing the load bearing wall, as well as the kitchen backsplash choice that was made.
Smart Home Switches
In previous projects, I have used Legrand's adorne® switches and outlets in renovation projects. In my own basement development, I chose to use a number of great products from Legrand's adorne® collection.
I chose:
- POP-OUT™ OUTLET
- DUAL USB OUTLET
- GFCI OUTLET
- sofTapv™ Switch
- sofTap™ Dimmer Switch
- Timer Switch, Manual On/ Timed Off
- Motion Sensor Switch Manual On / Auto Off
Here's the video I took during our basement development showing the motion sensor ( which I still LOVE) as well as the timer switch (which I still LOVE).
Since writing the blog on Legrand's adorne® collection, I have had a number of clients wishing to also use the outlets and switches. How cool is that?
For our Love At First Sight project, I wanted to use Legrand's radiant® collection. During my time at KBIS this past February, I made a special appointment to meet with Legrand and be educated with their products. I was specifically interested in learning more about Smart Home technology. Our Love At First Sight project had already started and I already purchased all of the appliances - that are SMART appliances.
As with any renovation, budget is always on the top of the list to keep in check and Legrand's radiant® collection was just what I was looking for!
Legrand radiant® collection
What I love about the radiant® collection is that no additional hardware is needed. By using the radiant® collection, I did not need a Hub installed! This is great news for clients, individuals, and families who wish to start creating a Smart Home but may not want to fully shell out the money to go the full distance. If you wanted to quickly change out switches to make them 'smart switches', this line is for you!
With our Love At First Sight Project, I wanted to create the introductory stages of a Smart Home. I knew, with my budget, that I could not possibly do the 'best' Smart Home option. I just did not have the budget for that. So what did I do?
Smart Dimmer Switches
Can you tell how excited I am about these switches??? Seriously - you can replace your current dimmer switches with these and with some simple steps (see below), you can control your lights via your smart device!
I have used these smart home dimmer switches for the kitchen pot lights, kitchen pendants, and family area off the kitchen (pot lights) as well as the family room.
Smart Switches
I have used these switches (no dimmer) for the exterior lights, the front foyer light.
Setting up the Legrand's radiant® collection smart home switches
Legrand has a wonderful website with many great videos on how to set up the smart home switches.
Here are the 3 easy steps.
- Download and launch the Smart Lights app by Legrand. The app is available through the App Store or on Google Play.
- Connect your smart dimmer to your home network by following the instructions on the app.
- Use the app to control our smart dimmer.
Compatibility
Of course, what kind of Smart Home product would this be if it could not be compatible with other Smart Home devices.
Smart Home Switches
As you can see, I totally embrace technology. As I have said before, I don't really need a toilet to serenade me, but I do love how automation can help one feel secure in your own home. Being able to turn on a light before you get home, is wonderful! No more coming home to a dark house. No more using a timer switch that you consistently have to change with the seasons!
My good friend, Leslie Carothers recently commented on my post last week:
In the community where my Mom lives, where everyone is 75+ or so, many have ALEXA in their homes, and they love it.
With aging in place becoming more and more important, I believe technology sure has a place in our homes.
So....are you ready to embrace technology?
