Lighting the Smart Way (Part 1): What Are LEDs...And Why They're Perfect for Smart Homes

If you’ve ever swapped out a blown bulb and wondered what all the hype is about LEDs, you’re not alone. But LEDs are more than just trendy light sources - they’re the backbone of modern smart homes. 

At Switched Homes, we’re big believers in the power of good lighting. In this series, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about LED lighting, from the basics to the smart stuff, and how to make it work beautifully in your New Zealand home. 

What Is an LED? 

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Instead of using a filament (like old-school incandescent bulbs), LEDs use a semiconductor that emits light when current flows through it. 

That simple shift in technology gives LEDs a ton of advantages: 

• Energy efficient: up to 90% less power than traditional bulbs 

• Long-lasting: 25,000+ hours is common (that’s years of use) 

• Compact & versatile: strips, spotlights, bulbs, panels...you name it 

• Instant on: no warm-up time 

• Cool to the touch: safer in tight spaces 

Why Are LEDs Perfect for Smart Homes? 

Whether you’re automating a single room or doing the whole house, LEDs are the best light source for smart homes...hands down. Here's why: 

Dimmability & Control 

Most LEDs are dimmable...and when paired with a smart controller, you can control brightness, color, and scenes right from your phone or wall panel. 

Colour Customisation 

From warm whites for relaxing evenings to vibrant RGB effects for parties...LEDs offer lighting that suits every mood. 

Low Power, High Impact 

Because LEDs are so efficient, you can have accent lighting running for hours without worrying about your power bill. Ideal for hallway lights, under-cabinet strips, or motion-activated night lights. 

Automation-Ready 

LEDs integrate beautifully with platforms like Home Assistant. You can: 

• Turn them on when someone walks into a room 

• Change colors based on the weather 

• Create “scenes” like movie night, wake-up, or away mode 

Common Confusion: Watts vs Lumens 

In the old days, we measured light in watts. But with LEDs being so efficient, wattage doesn’t tell the full story anymore. Now, we use lumens - a direct measure of brightness. 

Here’s a rough comparison: 

Old Bulb (Watts)	LED Equivalent	Brightness (Lumens)
60W	8-10W LED	~800 lumens
100W	15-17W LED	~1600 lumens

So next time you shop for lights, look for lumens, not watts. 

Don’t Be Fooled by “Smart” Bulbs Alone 

There’s nothing wrong with a Wi-Fi smart bulb you can buy at the store...but they have limitations: 

• Can’t be controlled if the wall switch is off 

• Often require separate apps for different brands 

• Limited to one bulb at a time 

That’s why, at Switched Homes, we take lighting further. We hardwire LED strips, install central controllers, and tie it all together with into a single pane of glass...so everything just works from one location. 

What’s Next in the Series? 

In Part 2, we’ll explore different types of LED lighting...from downlights and light strips to RGBW panels and motion-activated stair lights. 

You’ll learn which lights suit which spaces, and how to start planning your own smart lighting setup room by room. 

Got Questions? 

Curious about what LED lights would work best in your home? Or want help planning your next smart lighting project? Get in touch with us, we’re happy to help, whether you’re DIY-ing or ready for a professional install.