I'm about to install a bunch of smart light switches in my home. My original plan was to go with TP-Link. They have good reviews and are not too expensive. The issue is they require a neutral wire for power. When I started open up my light switches I discover almost all the ones on our first floor are wired with no access to the neutral. Now the weird thing when I checked our second floor all of them have an exposed neutral wire.
Here are my option
1. Go without on the first floor
There are several rooms were I would really like to install smart lighting such as the mud room and our TV room
2. Get an electrician to rewire the switches on the first floor
Additional expense. How easy is it to rewire? Could it be done with taking down the drywall?
3. Switch to a system that does not require a neutral (Lutron Caseta)
Lot more expense per switch and require a bridge. I also like the look of the TP-Links as they look like regular light switches.
4. Do a mix of Lutron Caseta and TP-Link
What are the drawback of having two different systems? Would save a lot of money on light switches.
5. Do smart light bulbs on the first floor
Might be an option as I'm only replacing single light bulb applications in a few rooms
What are some good forums for smart home discussions?
If I have metal boxes for my light switches will that be a problem?
Here are my option
1. Go without on the first floor
There are several rooms were I would really like to install smart lighting such as the mud room and our TV room
2. Get an electrician to rewire the switches on the first floor
Additional expense. How easy is it to rewire? Could it be done with taking down the drywall?
3. Switch to a system that does not require a neutral (Lutron Caseta)
Lot more expense per switch and require a bridge. I also like the look of the TP-Links as they look like regular light switches.
4. Do a mix of Lutron Caseta and TP-Link
What are the drawback of having two different systems? Would save a lot of money on light switches.
5. Do smart light bulbs on the first floor
Might be an option as I'm only replacing single light bulb applications in a few rooms
What are some good forums for smart home discussions?
If I have metal boxes for my light switches will that be a problem?