Smart bulbs

Smart bulbs are yet another entrant into the smart technology race. Smart bulbs can not only be programmed to turn off and on, but can also be programmed to deliver information via color. For example, with the help of a free app called IFTTT, your bulb can be programmed to announce the arrival of a family member, tell you when it is raining, and more. Many apps to control smart bulbs also allow you to program the colors. For example, the Tuya Smart Life app has a scene called Dazzle, that alternates red and green (useful at Christmastime).

Should you go for smart bulbs or regular lights plugged into smart outlets, or smart switches? That depends. If you can think of a good use for changing the light color, then smart bulbs make sense. If you just want the lights to turn off and on, smart switches (to replace your wall light switches) or smart outlets for lamps may be a better choice.

In any case, you should make the switch, if you haven't already, to LED bulbs. You'll save money on cooling in the summer, the bulbs themselves use less electricity, and you don't have to worry about changing them.