Smart lights and switches

[Golden sunsets]

We use Sengled smart bulbs in 3 rooms which we schedule to turn on and off either at dawn and Dusk, or just Dusk. We use Lutron switches for 4 outdoor lights to come on at Dusk and turn off at 10pm.

Both systems work flawlessly. We also have our irrigation system on wifi, as well as our 5 zone smart thermostats for heating and most recently, our whole house generator.

The possibilities seem endless.

 

[Ready]

The Kasa line of products seems very reasonably priced for the functionality they provide. With the recent discounts on Amazon I’ve been paying around $16 per dimmer switch.

There are two things currently missing from their product line. 1) A dimmer switch with motion detection. 2) A 3 way dimmer switch. They do have 3 way switches but just on/off with no dimming.

They announced a few new products at CES last month to fill these gaps. Later this year they will have 3 way dimming, as well as dimming with motion detection. Unfortunately they still don’t have 3 way dimming with motion detection, which is what I really need to use for the hallways and staircases. Hopefully they will get around to developing a product that does all of it.

 

[Animorph]

I replaced every wall switch I could with GE/Jasco Z-Wave switches. They're all controlled by a SmartThings hub. So far the switches have been very reliable. I used motion or dimmer switches where they seemed useful. All the bathrooms and closets have lights that turn on as soon as you enter the room. Dim late at night or bright during the day if needed. The hall and stair lights also come on automatically.

We're required to maintain lights over the garage door that turn on at dusk and off at dawn. I used TECKIN RGB LED Wi-Fi lights, which we turned red and green for Christmas. they require the SmartLife app, but it integrates with the other stuff just fine.

Ecobee thermostats, B-Hyve garden hose controller, Logitech Harmony Hub TV remote controls, a few TEKIN smart plugs, an Eight Sleep smart bed, garage sensors and relay controls, Wyze cameras, Ring doorbell, August smart lock. Moen Arbor Motionsense kitchen faucet (just motion sensing, no smart control). Neato D7 robovac.

Everything works through Alexa devices in nearly every room. Once in a while we have to give a command twice. Currently we are seeing a long delay through the SmartThings hub when initially turning things on. Not quite ready at this level for non-early adopters. But all the GE wall switches work normally, so the smarts are optional.

DM uses Alexa to turn on a few switches that she had a hard time reaching. She really likes that, but has to unplug the Amazon smart plugs occasionally to keep the things working. I've had better luck with the TECKIN plugs so far.

 

[travelover]

I'm still using X-10 modules. I guess they are sort of smart.

 

[target2019]

I'm still using X-10 modules. I guess they are sort of smart.

Where they work, it's good. I still use X-10 in 3-4 places in the home. Mechanical timers are fun, too. I use those in the basement to turn circulation fans off and on.

 

[RetiredAndLovingIt]

I replaced my garage light wall switch with a GE motion sensor model many years ago. That was my first home improvement upgrade after seeing them in new home model bathrooms. It's not "smart" but I know it's saved me a bunch of money and works as well today as it did 10-15 years ago.
Regarding voice control has anyone else noticed that Alexa is getting more conversational? Today I asked about the stock market and said thanks after she provided the info as I always do and she answered "You're welcome Retired..it looks like your getting some sun out there, I hope you enjoy your day" She's does this off and on and I can ask the same question twice and may or may not get a chatty comment. I love my Amazon Echo, it's an old V2 that I paid close to $100 a long time ago but it's been worth it for the voice control and her ability to answer most of my questions.

 

[easysurfer]

I have a smart switch for my desktop computer used for remotely powering up when I need to access while away. There are other methods of remotely powering up, like Wake on LAN (WOL), but I never got WOL to work consistently. So much simpler to just use the smart switch app on my phone.

 

[calmloki]

I tried X10 (unsuccessfully) several years ago. Last few months we've been using Alexa Dots and various brand smart bulbs and plugins. About the best thing so far is the smart bulb in the closet I set for 3 minutes, then off. Someone has a tendency to leave the closet and not shut off the light, which merrily burns away like a little wasteful heater all day. Also like saying Alexa: "morning" or "night" and having all selected lights and powered speakers and Roku start or turn off.

 

[RetiredAndLovingIt]

I have an Amazon plug that controls a lamp that I can turn off/on using Alexa. I've always had a problem with static electricity in my living room and I'd get zapped every single time I turned a lamp off for over 20 years, even new lamps. Since I started using voice control, problem solved, no more pain.
I also have a self monitored SmartThings ADT Alarm Hub with door sensors and motion alarm and a cheap knockoff Ring style doorbell that records anyone that comes to the door and also plays a recorded message if I don't answer.
Over the years I've also picked up a couple of Wyse cameras and some TP light bulbs but never set them up. I really have an aversion to cameras in the house just in case I got hacked and video of me running around in my undies or nothing at all show up on the internet

Update to my previous comment.
My self monitored Samsung ADT Smartthings Security system is shutting down effective June this year. It never really took off, a lot of people could not figure out how to work it and gave a lot of bad feedback. I personally had no problems it did what it was supposed to. The good news is that they're offering partial refunds depending on its age so I'll get 50% of what i paid and it's a year out of warranty.
This is the second time now this has happened to me, I had the Lowes home security system for about 7 years before they shut down, another great alarm that was so simple to use that was also self monitored. The problem is if no one buys the optional monitoring services, they're not making any money and end up shutting the product off. I suspect the Amazon Ring alarm may also go that way eventually, I hope not since the reviews are quite good and it might be my replacement. My daughter has had Simplisafe for years and pays for monitoring, I think about $20 and I don't think they have the self monitoring option but maybe they just never downloaded the app.

 

[Ready]

Wyze is getting into the home monitoring business. They charge $4.99 per month for home monitoring and give you the starter kit for free if you pay for a year of service in advance ($60). They have been very successful with their other products so I’d be willing to give them a try if I wanted a home alarm system.

https://wyze.com/wyze-hms-bundle.html

 

[RetiredAndLovingIt]

I was just reading that over on slickdeals. I would have no problem paying for that if it's cellular backup. I may jump on this, it's still preorder at this time so I might be able to cancel before it ships if I see anything better.

 

[CardsFan]

Am I the only one that actually turns on a light switch anymore? Is it really that hard? (Well DW says I don't turn them off enough, but that would be another thread)

In fairness, we have a few motion sensor lights outside, and a WiFi thermostat (primarily to monitor when away).

The condo is 1500sf. I am never more than 50 ft from any switch in the house.

Just don't see the value, at any price.

 

[Ready]

I was just reading that over on slickdeals. I would have no problem paying for that if it's cellular backup. I may jump on this, it's still preorder at this time so I might be able to cancel before it ships if I see anything better.

They do not have a cellular backup option. Here’s a good article on it:

https://www.tomsguide.com/news/wyze-home-monitoring

 

[Out of Steam]

Mechanical timers are fun, too. I use those in the basement to turn circulation fans off and on.

A mechanical light timer just arrived at our house from Amazon the other day. Our daughter bought it to control a light over her garden seedlings. It seems like a technological relic!

 

[bbqcoder]

Am I the only one that actually turns on a light switch anymore? Is it really that hard? (Well DW says I don't turn them off enough, but that would be another thread)


Just don't see the value, at any price.

I have a few smart switches and plugs in my house. One is the light for the front door and walkway. It’s on a schedule to turn on at sunset and then off around 10pm.

Another one controls the bedside wall lights. It’s nice to turn them off from the comfort of my bed without having to get out of bed.

I also have grow lights on a schedule when I’m starting my seeds. It’s easier to program a schedule versus using one of those timers.

Lastly I have a few water leak & temperature sensors so I get alerted in there an issue.

My thermostats are Ecobee. It’s great to be away on vacation and have the house back to operating temperature a few hours before arriving back home. They also alert me if the temp is outside the normal range which might indicate a problem with an HVAC system.

 

[MrsHaloFIRE]

I cant reach my lamp switch from bed and I read til I drop. Plus if i have an armful of laundry I let alexa get the lights for me. Spoiled DH by getting his light on an alexa plug also. Lucky boy. I have one on the tvvroom lamp also so if I want a little light i don't have to get up. Rest of tge house ii old school timers or nothing. But a few spots are really nice to be hands free.

My ecobee serves as an amazon echo also. Helpful BC it will tell me the time and weather if I ask and remind me to get the cat in 30 mins before sunset everynight. Also I have to take medicine at 2 set times and its helpful for a voice reminder to tell me wherever i am in the house. Also easy to do wholehouse music during Christmas or deep cleaning session. Sometimes its nice to have the news read while I wash dishes. I think technology has its uses.

Am I the only one that actually turns on a light switch anymore? Is it really that hard? (Well DW says I don't turn them off enough, but that would be another thread)

In fairness, we have a few motion sensor lights outside, and a WiFi thermostat (primarily to monitor when away).

The condo is 1500sf. I am never more than 50 ft from any switch in the house.

Just don't see the value, at any price.

 

[Hermit]

I just bought 50 Insteon smart switches. At $50 each this probably should go into the Blow That Dough thread. I will add an Insteon Hub which can work with Google or Amazon if I want voice control. It also can control the lights and other available gadgets from the Internet. The main goal is just to be able to push a button and turn off all the lights when I go to bed. The only lights not planned to be on the system are the attic lights. I would rather have those lights stay on than there be a possibility that they accidently get turned off while I am up there.

 

[Ready]

It’s nice to have some lights on timers to automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. It works great when you are away from home and want it to appear like the house is not empty. The old fashioned mechanical timers could certainly handle this. But with internet connected devices they know exactly when sunrise and sunset is every day, so you never have to manually adjust them based on the time of year.

 

[Retired Expat]

We have HUE lamps, Phillips and others. All work with Alexa so while they have their own apps I either use voice control or the Alexa app. Really no big deal. Have an Eero Mesh router system which is helpful to have great coverage and if I can avoid separate hubs I prefer it. Although the Keyless entry lock required one. Nice that the LED lamps work in both 110 and 220 volt situations for me. Had a house that didn't have a 3 way switch for the stairs, voice controlled light save a lot of wall chopping and mess to add a switch. And I love not having to climb that stairs to turn off my desk lamp or others when I have gone down to bed. if I forgot..

All this home tech is great. the Ecobee thermostat and the internet controlled hot water save me a lot on our rental property Utilities, Contactless check in, remote alarm monitoring and exterior cameras to make sure the drive got plowed. Makes my life much easier!!

 

[YB88]

I standardized on z-wave in my house, and in general on Amazon products. If I were starting from scratch, I might standardize on zigbee, as the limited built-in hub that Amazon offers in a couple of products supports zigbee and not z-wave. I get around this by using the base station to my Ring security system as a limited sort of 'dumb' z-wave hub. Occasionally I have issues with whether some new desired device will connect and function via the Ring z-wave 'hub'.

It is nevertheless kind of nice in a way --- I like having a 'dumb' hub, because otherwise it gets sometimes tricky to figure out where a problem is in automation if both Alexa and another hub each think of themselves as the center of my (not so very) intelligent home.

The catch there is that Alexa's capabilities are low. Something like Smarthings is certainly more flexible and powerful (and potentially complicated). But since I ripped out my gen. 1 smarthings hub, I've had few confusing and annoying "what's the problem NOW ?" moments.

I'm hoping that Echo/Alexa will add more functionality to their limited 'routines', but am not holding my breath.


One thing that I am disappointed with is the haphazard "throw it all loosely together" approach that Amazon seems to have taken. I was naively hoping that as they built and bought various pieces, they would work to integrate them, but this doesn't seem to be the case. I might be willing to toss it all and go with Google if I thought they were doing significantly better, but I doubt it.

Some of the integrations that they do have are just unimpressive. For example, if I get an alert that someone is moving around in front of my house, I turn to my Echo Show and say something like "Alexa, show the driveway camera". By the time the image comes up, the triggering person/object/animal is typically gone. And Ring then makes me wait a bit before the recorded video is available for viewing. A "real-time" system it is not.


I guess it's all about expectations. I get a lot of value out of the system I have, and appreciate it, so I just need to pay a little less attention to marketing content and more to an empirical appreciation for what this stuff does allow me to do well.


The latest thing I've added were a set of Flic buttons. I'd been looking for something like this for a while and resisted because you have to have their own little 'hub' if you want them to work when your phone isn't present. My wife and I enjoy having a few places where we have the option of using a button rather than voice to turn on/off or otherwise trigger certain actions.

 

[jazz4cash]

Last spring, I bought Kasa smart plugs to control some patio lights and they have worked very well all summer. I would've been more confident buying these if I had known Kasa is a TP-Link brand.
Now as the days grow shorter I need smart bulbs for the front door and driveway that will run automatically from sunset to sunrise. I was considering Kasa Smart Bulbs ($9/ ea x 4) but our utility company has deals* on gadgets from time to time so I bought some "Earth Bulbs" from them. They run on the Tuya app. These seem to be obscure brands. The app recognizes the bulbs and the network but won't connect them together. I tried the Smart Life app which is identical to Tuya (won't connect). I am going to experiment with placement of the devices but I'm pretty sure I'll be trying the the Kasa bulbs.

I have assumed that the bulbs will work normally if they lose WiFi connection....it that correct?

*10 dimmable LEDs, 2 Smart Bulbs, 1 LED desklamp for $10.

 

[Ready]

I have assumed that the bulbs will work normally if they lose WiFi connection....it that correct?

*10 dimmable LEDs, 2 Smart Bulbs, 1 LED desklamp for $10.

Yes, they will turn on and off normally using your existing light switch.

The Kasa brand smart bulbs work well. You can buy the color bulbs on Amazon for under $10 each in a four pack. I have a bunch of these and the colors are fun to play with.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZ6PLJ...&colid=IA7LO653HSUB&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Yes, they will turn on and off normally using your existing light switch.

The Kasa brand smart bulbs work well. You can buy the color bulbs on Amazon for under $10 each in a four pack. I have a bunch of these and the colors are fun to play with.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZ6PLJ...&colid=IA7LO653HSUB&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

Damn, I was thinking about getting them, but they're only 800-850 lumens. The geeni bulbs I have now are 1050 lumens, and I have two of them per lamp. If anything, I'd like a higher range, especially on a dimmable bulb!

But I agree, Kasa is great; as I said earlier in this thread the Kasa app is leagues better than the geeni app.

 

[Ready]

Yes, the Kasa bulbs could be a bit brighter. I have stayed with them because I don’t want to introduce another brand running a separate app.

But if you haven’t bought any yet, you might want to look at the new Wyze bulbs. They are 1100 lumens. A four pack is $39.99 plus shipping.

https://wyze.com/wyze-bulb-color.html

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Yes, the Kasa bulbs could be a bit brighter. I have stayed with them because I don’t want to introduce another brand running a separate app.

But if you haven’t bought any yet, you might want to look at the new Wyze bulbs. They are 1100 lumens. A four pack is $39.99 plus shipping.

https://wyze.com/wyze-bulb-color.html

It looks like these are the same, and I can't calculate shipping on the Wyze site, but it probably works out to around the same cost: https://smile.amazon.com/Wyze-Labs-WLPA19C2PK-Smart-2-Pack/dp/B097C3VLLL/