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The idea of a smart home has been floating around for decades, but it’s only recently that the technology has become accessible and affordable to the average homeowner. One of the simplest and most effective ways to begin your DIY smart home journey is by adding smartphone-controllable lighting. With the right equipment and a bit of know-how, you can have your lights dancing to your tune in no time!
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So, where to begin? Well, the first step is to decide on the type of lighting you want to control. This could be your main overhead lighting or perhaps you want to start with a specific lamp or light fixture. You’ll also need to consider whether you want to control the light from your phone directly or through a smart home hub. Choosing a system that works with your voice assistant, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, is a popular option, as it allows for easy and convenient control.
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Once you’ve made these decisions, it’s time to choose your bulbs. Smart bulbs are LED lights that can be controlled via an app or voice command. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and offer a range of features such as dimming, color-changing, and scheduling. It’s worth noting that smart bulbs require a wireless connection to operate, so a strong and stable Wi-Fi network is essential.
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If you’re not keen on replacing your bulbs, you could opt for a smart switch instead. These switches connect directly to your Wi-Fi router and allow you to control your lights using an app or voice assistant. Smart switches are a great option if you want to control multiple lights at once or if you have lights that are difficult to reach.
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With your hardware chosen, it’s now time to get everything set up. Start by downloading the relevant app for your chosen system and creating an account. Then, screw in your smart bulbs or install the smart switch, ensuring they are powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi network.
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Open the app and begin the discovery process, which will vary depending on the manufacturer. Typically, this involves pressing a button on the bulb or switch to make it discoverable, or scanning a QR code. Once your devices are connected, you can start customizing your lighting setup.
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Most apps will allow you to create lighting scenes, so you can set the mood for different occasions. You can also set schedules, so your lights turn on and off automatically, or even adjust throughout the day. This is a great way to improve your home’s security when you’re away.
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If you’ve opted for voice control, you’ll need to link your lighting system to your voice assistant. This can usually be done through the voice assistant’s app, and will allow you to control your lights with simple voice commands. Imagine being able to turn off the lights without getting out of bed!
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One of the best things about smart lighting is the ability to control your lights remotely. As long as you have an internet connection, you can control your lights from anywhere in the world. This is incredibly useful if you’re away from home and want to create the illusion that someone is there, or if you simply forgot to turn the lights off before leaving the house.
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Smart lighting is an affordable and simple way to begin your smart home journey, and it can have a big impact on the way you live. Being able to control your lighting from your phone or with a simple voice command is not only incredibly convenient, but it can also help reduce your energy costs and improve your home security.
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With a wide range of smart lighting options available, you can start small with a single bulb or switch, and then expand your system as you see fit. Before long, you’ll be controlling your entire home with the power of your voice or the tap of a finger!
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Controlling your lights with your phone is just the beginning. The world of smart home technology is constantly evolving, and there are always new devices and systems being developed to make your life easier and more efficient. So, why not start your DIY smart home journey today and see where it takes you? The possibilities are endless!