Home Automation

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Home automation is the residential extension of building automation.

It is automation of the home, housework or household activity.

Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security.

Warning: Working with electricity can result in injury, property damage, or even death if it is not done properly. Please keep this in mind while assisting others. If you are not sure about what you are doing, hire a licensed professional.

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I don't know if it makes more sense to get Smart Switches or Smart Bulbs (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I have an old house (built in 1970s) so I am guessing my light switches don't have modern wiring. I need to check when I get home. I don't know if/how this impacts which route I should go.

I don't necessarily care about the ability to change the colors of my light bulbs (although being able to change the temperature between 2700k-6500k would be nice).

I primarily want the ability to turn my lights on/off/dimmed without having to walk to the switch. My house has the light switches in not very convenient places which requires one to walk through dark rooms to turn them on/off which is annoying.

If I do just get light switches, is there a general recommendation? Is Caseta by Lutron a good option or is there something else that is generally recommended?

Lastly, if I wanted to add some sort of TV backlighting, would this potentially require me to get some sort of hub or can this also be controlled through smart switches?

Thanks

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Any time I hear "wired in the 70's" I cringe a little. Have you had a really good inspection of your wiring? It's super common in the 70's that they used aluminum wire and if that's the case I'd look into upgrading that before I did anything else.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Copper coated Aluminum house wire is fine though. It is actually a better conductor than pure copper wiring. It doesn't expand and contract like plain aluminum wire. It was added to the National Electric Code in 1971.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

I've had a few electricians out here as I had solar panels installed which required me to install a new more modern electrical panel.

None of them mentioned my wiring but I plan to take a look when I get a chance to see what the wiring behind the switches look like.

Whoever was here before me installed like GFCI outlets I don't know if that matters.

But yes, I was hoping to find someone to marry and have kids with here and then eventually move when I have more money lol. So, I ideally won't move in the next 5 years. Especially since I have a 30 year mortgage on 3.2% interest.