During the long nights of winter, we rely on artificial lighting to get us through our daily routines– leaving and returning for work and school is usually done in the dark. Use this guide to make your winter days automatically brighter: 

 

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 
 

  • - The easiest method for lighting entryways and parking areas is using motion-sensor lights. Solar-charged lights can be installed almost anywhere, giving endless options for lighting many areas as you enter your home. 
     

  • - In some instances, installing new fixtures is not an option, so add smart light bulbs! Depending on your budget, you can purchase bulbs with programming capabilities for changing color, dimness, and off/on times. 
     

  • - Smart pathway lights are usually solar-powered, and many offer the same control options as smart light bulbs, and installation is a cinch–push their posts in the ground along walkways, and they are ready to go! 
     

  • - For outdoor lighting that requires an outlet, use outdoor smart plugs. Just like interior smart plugs, you have complete control of when the lights come on or off. 

 

INTERIOR LIGHTING 
 

  • - The first step is to install either bright white LED bulbs in lamps and fixtures, or use smart light bulbs and integrate them into your home’s automation platform. 
     

  • - For a better start to your day on dark winter mornings, use a light bulb made to mimic the sunrise.
     

  • - If a room’s lights are automated, they must have power to work properly, and we are used to turning the light switch off when we leave a room. The remedy for that problem is to install smart switches. Different brands have different options, from sensing motion to dimming as well as remote control through an app. 
     

  • - Take the time to set up not only morning lighting routines, but dark evenings as well. Walking into a softly lit home after a long day at work not only makes one feel safe, but it is an automatic mood-lifter. 

 

Start-up costs to automate your home’s lighting can be as much or as little as you care to spend. Remember that when it comes to technology, you usually get what you pay for. Consider each product’s features, and purchase what fits your needs and budget, and research the security of each product to protect your home from hackers. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: thegadgetflow.com