Lighting is one of the key components in any house, as it helps to create a comfortable atmosphere for spending cold winter evenings or having dinner with family. However, not all lamps are the same, and there is an opportunity to regulate the degree of lighting by adjusting its intensity to meet your mood or to save electricity. By investing in smart switch installation in Calgary, you can upgrade your lighting. There are two common options that usually puzzle the owners when it comes to the renovation process—conventional dimmer switches and smart switches.
It seems quite difficult to decide which of the mentioned devices is more suitable for your house, and it depends only on your personal tastes. Below, you will find the main advantages and disadvantages of each solution, along with approximate prices, to help you make the best choice. People are increasingly inclined towards home automation in Calgary.
Calgary is a great place with many types of houses. Older buildings in the city centre used to have traditional two-wire systems with no neutral wire in the switch loop. In contrast, new developments feature contemporary switches with a neutral wire. Knowing your home’s requirements is essential to selecting the best option for your needs.
Standard analogue dimmers are compatible with most two-wire systems. In contrast, modern smart switches usually require a neutral wire to maintain a constant power supply. Learn about dimmer switch installation in Calgary from this blog.
Traditional dimmer switches have been a popular choice for decades. They allow you to reduce the brightness of your bulbs and save energy with the flip of a switch. Below are the main advantages and disadvantages of traditional dimmer switches. Know about the best dimmer switch options for Calgary homes.
With a simple move of a hand, you can make the room darker or brighter. Traditional switches are intuitive and do not require any special skills to be used.
Traditional dimmer switches are compatible with most two-wire systems, including older ones. You do not have to worry about having a neutral wire, as most switches do not require it.
Do Not Require Internet
Traditional switches are perfect for people who are not comfortable with modern technology. They operate independently and do not require the internet.
Compared to smart switches, traditional dimmer switches are cheap and affordable.
You cannot operate traditional switches remotely. You will also not be able to set up any automation or schedule.
Traditional switches are not compatible with most LED bulbs. They cause them to flicker and lose power.
Smart switches are a great alternative to traditional dimmer switches. They allow you to operate your bulbs from a smartphone, set up home automation in Calgary, and enjoy the convenience of modern technology. Below are the main advantages and disadvantages of smart switches.
Some smart switches can be controlled via a smartphone, which means that the light can be switched off from another room or even programmed when you are somewhere far away from home. Moreover, some smart switches might also be compatible with some voice assistants like Alexa or Siri.
Using a smart switch, you would be able to create your own scenario for your lights and control your bulbs via your smartphone. For instance, you can program your outdoor lighting system to turn on in the evening and off in the morning. In addition, you could turn them on automatically upon arriving at home and turn them off upon leaving home.
Unlike smart bulbs, smart switches are compatible with standard bulbs. This means you will not have to invest in expensive replacements.
Smart switches are usually more expensive than traditional ones. Moreover, you may have to invest in several switches if you want to operate all your lights.
Most smart switches require a neutral wire, which means you may have to hire an electrician to install them.
If your internet goes down, your smart switches will stop working. Although you will still be able to operate them manually, you will not be able to set up any automation or schedule.
Explanation
Most smart switches require a neutral wire to operate. If you buy smart switches without checking for neutral wires in your switch box, you will not be able to install them.
How to Avoid the Mistake
Before buying smart switches, turn off the electricity, unscrew a switch in one of the boxes, and check if there are any neutral wires (usually white).
Explanation
Non-dimmable bulbs tend to flicker on traditional dimmer switches. This happens because traditional switches lower the voltage, which causes the bulb to lose power.
How to Avoid the Mistake
Always buy dimmable bulbs and pair them with traditional dimmer switches.
Explanation
Smart switches have a wattage capacity, which means they can only handle a certain amount of electricity. If you pair them with bulbs that are too powerful, they will stop working.
How to Avoid the Mistake
Always check the wattage capacity of your smart switches and do not exceed it.
Explanation
The smart switches can be on a variety of platforms like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. However, if you purchase switches on a variety of platforms, you would have to use several different applications to control them.
How to Avoid the Mistake?
Buy smart switches from one platform and operate them with one app.
When you are doing smart switch installation in Calgary, follow these tips.
You do not have to install only smart switches or only traditional switches. You can, for example, install smart switches in your living room and traditional switches in your bedroom.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of both systems, you can install smart dimmers. They allow you to manually adjust the brightness of your bulbs while also giving you access to all the features of smart switches.
If you do not have neutral wires in your switch boxes, you should buy no-neutral smart switches. They operate with a special hub and are perfect for older buildings with no neutral wires.
Smart switches are usually difficult to install, which is why you should hire a professional electrician to do the job.
During dimmer switch installation in Calgary, some steps should be followed.
Action: Turn off the electricity, unscrew a switch, and check for neutral wires.
Timeline: Before buying switches.
Expected Result: Knowing whether your home has neutral wires or not.
Action: Set your requirements and research products that fit your needs and budget.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks before buying switches.
Expected Result: Having a list of products that you can buy.
Action: Buy LED bulbs and switches that are compatible with each other.
Timeline: Before hiring an electrician.
Expected Result: Having the required materials for the upgrade.
Action: Hire an electrician who can safely install your switches.
Timeline: After buying switches.
Expected Result: Having functional switches in your house.
Traditional dimmer switch installation in Calgary and smart switches make for a wonderful upgrade in your house. You will have the pleasure of having a lit room in addition to saving on your electricity bill. Traditional switches come in handy for the person who wants to control the brightness of the bulbs, whereas the smart switch is for the one who wants to experience the ease of home automation in Calgary. Analyze your requirements and seek assistance from an expert electrician.
If there is a need for smart switch installation in Calgary, feel free to call Evolve Electrical.
Many people try to replace electrical switches themselves. But you need to hire a professional electrician to do it perfectly. Handling electricity can be dangerous if you do it yourself.
Not necessarily. Most of the smart light switches require a neutral wire. Some companies also manufacture smart light switches that don’t have them.
LEDs commonly flicker with traditional dimmer switches, as old switches reduce voltage. The LED bulbs lack energy. You can fix this problem by purchasing smart switches or by using traditional switches with dimmable bulbs.
Whenever your Wi-Fi goes down, your smart switches will stop working. Then you can manually turn off your switches.
Smart light switches are an excellent choice if you wish to experience the comfort of automation. If you only need to turn your bulbs on or off manually, then traditional switches are a more cost-effective option
Evolve Electrical Services is a reputable company providing electrical requirements for your residence or workplace and also industrial needs. We offer an extensive selection of electrical services and always go above and beyond for our clients.
