Smart light switches are installed in an apartment’s walls, just like regular light switches. The difference is that in addition to controlling them manually, you have the option to control them remotely using an app.

Smart dimmers are also installed in walls, but instead of simply switching the lights on and off, you can dim them so lighting can be softer for dining, movies, or nightlights.

Smart light switches are wired into a home’s electrical system, just like a normal light switch. They also connect wirelessly to a hub like SmartRent’s, so you can control them remotely through our app. Using a hub also allows smart light switches to communicate with other devices in the home, like a smart thermostat or smart lock. When you combine these devices, you can create automated routines that turn the lights off, adjust the temperature, and lock the door—all with a single command or at a specific time each day.

Yes. Many smart switches and dimmers automatically turn lights off when residents leave the room for a time, saving electricity. Additionally, dimmers allow you to use lights at less than full power, rather than making you always turn them on at full blast even when you don’t need that much light.

Smart outlets are installed into a wall just like a regular outlet and connect to the internet. They draw a tiny amount of power to stay connected to the internet, but this amount is negligible compared to the possible energy savings.

A smart plug gives residents the same ability to remotely control regular lamps and appliances as a smart outlet, but smart plugs don’t require installation. You just plug them into a regular outlet for power and connect them wirelessly to the SmartRent hub.