Aspects to take into account before buying a smart bulb

Smart bulbs can help you find your way around your living space without injuring yourself in the dark searching for the switch. If you come home late at night or need extra help around the house, smart light bulbs can come in very handy.

These bulbs are just like any other regular bulb, but can be controlled remotely via voice, mobile apps, or Bluetooth.

If you're looking to outfit your home with smart home products, smart light bulbs might be a good starting point. Smart bulbs are easy to use and install, making them an ideal starting point for home automation. However, before you decide to buy new smart bulbs, here are the things to consider before buying one.

Installing a smart bulb is not difficult

Installing a smart bulb is usually simple, simply removing the traditional bulbs and putting the new smart bulbs in their place. No wireless connection is needed to access the bulb's smart home capabilities, as you can connect directly to your home Wi-Fi. Some bulbs don't even need a bridge or hub to reach your Wi-Fi network, all you have to do is plug it into your old socket and the built-in app will guide you through the rest of the setup.

There are other smart bulbs that need the corresponding hub for installation. A smart hub works as a mediator between the bulb and the wireless router. In this case, the bridge must be connected to the Wi-Fi router and when the lights indicated on the bridge appear, the configuration process can be completed by downloading the corresponding app. Although, it is important to note that this exact setup process can vary between brands.

The third way to set up your smart bulb is by connecting it with Bluetooth. Again, the exact setup process in this method also varies between brands and always make sure to read the manual before attempting to connect your bulbs.

Know how a smart bulb works

There are some smart bulbs that can be controlled through an app that can be installed on mobile devices. Other smart bulbs can connect to voice assist-enabled smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod. However, most smart bulbs can be controlled by both voice and app. Therefore, be sure to read the instructions that come with your smart bulbs carefully and there you will find information specific to the brand on which app to download and how to configure them with your smart speaker.

It is also important to bear in mind that you can use your smart bulbs in the traditional way using a normal switch. This helps when the Wi-Fi network is down or if it is your habit to press the switch every time you enter the house. However, if the physical light switch is turned off, the bulb will not work remotely. There are some smart bulbs that can use your phone's GPS to turn on the lights when you approach the door.

The durability of smart bulbs

All smart bulbs are LED (Light Emitting Diode) type and can last much longer than traditional tungsten bulbs. Also, LED bulbs consume 90% less energy than tungsten bulbs and can help you reduce your energy bill if you replace all your traditional bulbs with the new smart ones.

Is it worth the cost?

Upgrading to smart bulbs may seem like a high upfront cost, but it doesn't always have to be. You can buy a single smart bulb that will cost you much less than buying an entire smart home light setup. Before making a big investment in them, there are some important factors to consider, such as the number of smart bulbs you want to start with, where you want to place them, and if you want to start with a couple of bulbs before buying a larger installation.

There are a few brands that sell smart lighting starter kits that include: bulbs, hubs, switches, and other important accessories for installation. You can also save some money by buying this package plus they are easy to set up, offer a list of features and are often supported by an app that helps you control the entire system. Also, as we said, all smart home bulbs are LED, so in the long run the total cost of the electricity bill will decrease.

How useful are smart bulbs?

Smart bulbs can do much more than turn lights on and off, especially when connected to a smart speaker with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, or Google Home. You can create a lighting scene, dim your lights, or even schedule your lights, with the touch of a button or a simple command.

You can schedule your lights if you're going to be away for a long time and want to let others know you're really home. Some smart bulbs come with a vacation mode that helps them learn and mimic your behavior when you're away.