So, someone told me you can get smart light switches that you control through an app (I use Android). I was checking out Home Depot and noticed a brand called Lutron, but I’m not sure what would work well for incandescent bulbs up to 150W.
I’m mainly looking for something with a timer function so the lights can turn on about 30 minutes before I wake up. I don’t need any fancy dimming, just a simple timer.
Ideally, I’d like to avoid having an electrician install anything, especially since I’m not exactly handy around the house. Something simple that I can set up myself would be great.
Right now, I’m planning to use it with floor lamps, though I might use it for ceiling lights later. The priority for now is definitely floor lamps.
Any recommendations or advice would be awesome! Thanks in advance!
Hey, I’d suggest looking into TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs. Super easy to set up, and you just plug them into your existing floor lamps. You can control them via the app and set timers easily. Plus, no electrician needed! I’ve been using them for a while, and they work like a charm with my lamps.
I’ve actually used Lutron Caseta smart switches with no issues. The app is really easy to use on Android, and it’s reliable for timers. Just make sure to get the one that supports regular bulbs (non-dimmable). There are installation kits, but if you’re not into wiring, a plug-in option might suit you better.
If you want something super easy with no installation required, Wyze Smart Plugs could be perfect. You just plug them into your floor lamp, and it’s all done through the app. You can set schedules, and they’re affordable. Plus, they work well with both Android and iOS.
You might also want to consider smart bulbs instead of switches. Philips Hue or Wyze make smart bulbs that you can control through an app with no electrician or rewiring needed. You can just screw them into your floor lamps. Plus, you can easily set timers and schedules, no hassle!
If it were me, I’d definitely go with Lutron. Even without the smart features, they’re pretty much the gold standard for dimmer switches. Just keep in mind, if you go with the Lutron Caseta setup, you’ll need to grab the Caseta Smart Bridge. Once you have that, you can start adding in smart switches and plugs. One important note: you’re not supposed to put outlets on dimmer switches. Plugging a smart plug into an outlet is totally fine, but dimming the outlet itself is a no-go.
Now, plugging in a smart plug is as easy as it gets.
Swapping out a light switch isn’t that hard either. There are tons of how-to videos out there, and all you really need is a decent pair of pliers (for bending and twisting wires), some wire nuts, and a screwdriver (flathead and a Philips size 2 will cover most things). If you’re not comfortable doing any of this, it’s always better to call in a pro—electricity is no joke if you don’t know what you’re doing.
That being said, I’d suggest picking up some basic handy skills. It’s not as hard as it seems, it can save you a ton of money, and it helps when you’re talking to pros about bigger jobs. Plus, you’ll be less likely to get ripped off when you know what’s going on!