Smart bulbs are designed to provide a more convenient, energy-efficient, and secure way to light our homes that can be controlled remotely from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or smart hub. Over time, Smart Bulbs have become a staple within modern smart home systems across the UK. Smart Bulbs can be programmed to turn lights off and on at certain times, change the dimness or brightness of the light and, for some models, customise the light's colour. Throughout this article, we answer several frequently asked questions regarding Smart Bulbs to help installers, homeowners and developers alike and provide the resource for anyone wanting to learn more about smart bulbs.
What Types of Smart Bulbs are Available?
Currently, many different types of smart bulbs are available, each with unique features and benefits. When choosing a smart bulb, it is essential to consider your personal requirements and budget. Here are a few of the most popular styles available today in the UK market: Wi-Fi Smart Bulbs - This type of Smart Bulb can connect directly to your home's Wi-Fi network, enabling you to control your smart bulb from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet, such as the 4Lite WIZ range - these energy-saving bulbs provide added functionality with increased security (as lights can be turned on/off to mimic you being home, even when you’re not), night lights, and colour changing functionality. They’re a great way to save on electric bills, and are designed to outlast most regular light bulbs.
One of the most significant disadvantages of using Wi-Fi Smart Bulbs is how reliant they are on your Wi-Fi connection. Without a reliable Wi-Fi connection, most will revert to behaving like normal light bulbs.
Bluetooth Smart Bulbs - These are a suitable choice if you are looking for a smart bulb that is more affordable. Bluetooth bulbs can connect to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to control them when you're within range.
One of the main downsides of bluetooth smart bulbs is that they are typically more expensive than traditional bulbs, and you will need to purchase a separate hub or bridge to use them properly.
Additionally, because these bulbs rely on Bluetooth connectivity, they may not work as well if you have a weak or spotty Bluetooth signal.
Zigbee Smart Bulbs - Zigbee Bulbs are an ideal choice for homeowners with more significant properties with numerous smart home devices, as they use a low-power wireless protocol called Zigbee.
Investing in Zigbee smart bulbs can be more expensive than traditional light bulbs, and they may only be compatible with some types of light fixtures or dimmer switches.
Thread Smart Bulbs - Thread bulbs are also ideal for large properties; however, they use a newer wireless protocol designed to be more reliable and energy-efficient than Zigbee.
In addition to these different types of Smart Bulbs, some can also come with added features such as;
Colour-changing
Dimmable
Tunable white balance
Regarding Thread Smart Bulbs, one of the main concerns is that some consumers may find the setup process to be more complicated than other types of smart bulbs.
Are Smart Bulbs energy-efficient?
Yes. Smart bulbs use LED technology, making them far more energy-efficient than traditional light bulbs. Smart bulbs can help to save you money on your energy bills because, in contrast to conventional incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs consume around 75% less energy and have an approximately 25 times longer lifespan.
Can Smart Bulbs be Used Outdoors?
Smart bulbs can be used in outdoor fixtures. Nevertheless, you need to ensure that you get a bulb specifically designed for outdoor use. This is because smart outdoor bulbs are typically constructed from durable materials that can resist the elements such as water, wind, and rain. They also provide a broader range of features than indoor smart bulbs, such as the ability to customise colours and a useful dimming feature.
Can Smart Bulbs Work Without Wi-Fi?
Without a doubt, some Smart Bulbs on the market do not need to rely on Wi-Fi connectivity but instead use Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, allowing you to keep control of your devices even when your Wi-Fi network is down. There are some limitations to using Bluetooth-only smart bulbs. For example, you can only control them from within your home due to their limited range. Furthermore, you can't combine them with other smart bulbs and devices to create a complex smart system in your property. Many Wi-Fi smart bulbs revert to acting like a normal light bulb without an internet connection, meaning they’ll switch on/off at the wall switch, but you won’t be able to turn it on/off with your phone or smart devices until internet connection is restored.
Key Takeaways
Smart Bulbs are the latest innovation in lighting technology, and more and more installers recommend this smart option to customers and clients alike. These bulbs offer exciting features like colour-changing options, scheduling, dimming, and can also help you save on your energy bills over time. You can view our extensive range of smart bulbs here. Looking for more information on smart bulbs and smart home technology? Take a look at our guide on how to set up a smart home here. We hope this information has given you the confidence to explore the world of Smart Bulbs. If you need additional advice, please reach out to our expert support team, or visit your local City Plumbing branch.
