Remodeling101:SmartIn-WallDimmerSwitches-Remodelista

Remodeling 101: Smart In-Wall Dimmer Switches - Remodelista
There are many instances in which you may want to turn down the lights: for a dinner party, a relaxing bath, movie night, and on other occasions we don’t need to get into here.
The Belkin Wemo Wireless Light Control Switch in situ.
In the past we covered the new smart light bulbs that you can control with your smartphone or tablet (see Remodeling 101: Smart Light Bulbs).
What are the smart ways to dim the lights?
What’s a smart dimmer switch?
Most smart dimmer switches are installed inside the wall, behind your existing switchplate.
The Belkin WeMo Wireless Light Control Switch;$49.99.
For starters, a smart dimmer switch lets you can dim your lights without getting up off the couch. Plus, any smart dimmer switch will also let you turn your lights on and off, wherever you happen to be.
Why would I want a smart dimmer switch?
What do I need to install a smart dimmer switch?
Home Wi-Fi, of course, is essential. In most cases, you’ll also need a smart-home system or hub to allow your mobile device to communicate with the switch.
What kinds of smart dimmer switches are recommended?
Most smart dimmers look like a traditional paddle-style wall switch; you may even be able to use the same wall plate (in fact, many come without the wall plate).
Wirecutter’s top choice, the HomeSeer HS-WD100+ ($55 at Amazon), works best with HomeSeer’s HomeTroller system, but it’s also compatible with other Z-wave controllers.
The Insteon Remote Control Dimmer Switch ($49.99; also available via Amazon) requires the Insteon Hub; it integrates with Apple HomeKit technology and also with Amazon Alexa.
To use the Lutron Caséta Wireless In Wall Smart Dimmer Kit from 59 25 via Amazon you ll need to add either the Caséta Wireless Smart Bridge which lets...
...you integrate the switch with Apple s HomeKit so you can ask Siri to dim the lights or the Wink hub either way you can connect your switch to Alexa
No hub is required for the Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer ($49.99 via Amazon); simply install the switch in the wall and use the My Leviton app (for iOS and Android) to connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi.
Can I install my own smart wall dimmer?
You might be able install a smart dimmer yourself if you have some experience swapping out light switches.
Looking for an option without rewiring? For more automatic on/off switches, see our earlier post Lights Out: Sensor Light Switches.
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