Get smart about home lighting

Gone are the days when a simple flip of the switch was the only choice for illuminating our homes. While we still have this triedand-true option, we have entered a new era of innovative and intelligent technologies, which includes smart lighting.

Smart lighting connects to Wi-Fi and offers an array of cuttingedge functionality and convenience. Let us look at the main benefits of smart lighting options.

Smart lighting is energy efficient. Most smart bulbs utilize LED technology, which is much more efficient than traditional incandescent lighting. Additionally, smart lighting gives you more control over how and when you light your home, ultimately resulting in less energy used for lighting.

Smart lighting provides convenience and control. Most smart bulbs can be controlled from an app on your smartphone or can be paired with your voice assistant, like Amazon Alexa. You can conveniently control lighting settings from anywhere in your home or when you are away. Whether you want to set a schedule for lighting or adjust brightness levels, these smart options offer effortless control from the comfort of, well, anywhere.

Smart options empower you to personalize home lighting. Bright, warm, purple, green–whatever mood you want to create, smart lighting can help. For a more traditional look, try dimmable white bulbs. If you want to create the perfect ambiance for movie night, look for bulbs that can be adjusted for a variety of vibrant colors. The possibilities are endless.

While smart lighting offers convenience and control, keep in mind your wall light switch will need to stay “on” for you to control the smart bulb from your phone or via voice command. To use a smart bulb, the wall switch it is connected to must be “on” so the bulb receives power, which enables it to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

If you need additional options to operate the lights, consider a smart light switch. Today’s smart switches tend to play nicely with smart bulbs. If you want to control your smart bulbs with a physical switch (in addition to using your phone and voice commands), look for smart switches that include a built-in feature and allows both. Many smart light switches include motion detectors as well.

If you are looking to take the plunge and integrate multiple smart bulbs to your home lighting system, your best bet may be a kit, like the Philips Hue Starter Kit. Most kits include several bulbs and any additional tools you will need to get started.

If you are new to smart home tech and looking to start small, try a smart bulb in a high-traffic area of your home. It is also worth noting smart plugs are a great starter option and allow convenient control of lamps or other lighting fixtures plugged in to a wall outlet. Smart plugs are inexpensive and simply plug in to your existing outlet. Electrical items connected to the smart plug can be controlled from a smart phone app, just like smart bulbs.

Whether you are looking for more convenience, colorful options or better ways to manage energy use, smart lighting can provide multiple benefits. Determine which smart lighting features are most important for your needs, then start shopping.

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE: 30 foot swimming pool with pump and motor, needs chemicals, new liner, $1,000 or best offer. PH: 405-268-2774.

FOR SALE: Trail Boss 15k fifth wheel hitch and bipod stabilizer stand $250. PH: 405-207-0228.

FOR SALE: 2 large hair salon mirrors $50 each. PH: 405-756-4277.

FOR SALE: Used candle jars, most with lids, $1 per piece. PH: 405-756-4277.

FOR SALE: New 55-gallon drum barrel rack, $25. PH: 405-207-0228.

FOR SALE: Like new Gearench Manufacturing Company 67 tongs reversible titan chain, 2 to 12 in. pipe, $500. PH: 405-207-0228.

Recreational

FOR SALE: 1999 Rockwood Premier pop up trailer with slide out, fully self-contained, sleeps six, lots of storage, heat and air, kitchen sink, microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, toilet, shower, inside or

Classified Ads

are FREE to REC members to post non-commercial items. Deadline for ads is the 8th of every month. Call the Member Services Dept. at 405-756-3104 ext. 238.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Did you know ceiling fans can make a room feel four degrees cooler? To save energy through ceiling fan use, remember to raise your thermostat a few degrees while fans are turned on. Ceiling fans can help improve comfort year-round. In the summer, operate ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction. Reverse the direction to clockwise during winter months and set fans on a low speed so warm air can circulate from the ceiling to the lower levels of the room. Remember, ceiling fans cool people, not spaces. Be sure to turn them off when you leave the room. Learn more at www.energy.gov.

outside three burner stove, new propane tank, new tires, and new spare, ready to go, $4,000 or would considered a trade for dual axle enclosed trailer with rear ramp and side door, leave a message if needed. PH: 405-207-0228.

Local Co-op Connection Card Deals

A-U-Store It, Purcell$5 off first month rent

Backroads Boutique, Lindsay5% off everything excluding special order and sale items

Best Western, Chickasha15% Off Regular Room Rate

Blue Moose Outdoor

Portable Rentals, Elmore City5% Off Septic Tank Pumping, Tent Rental and Special Event Toilet Rentals

Chickasha Diesel Services, Chickasha$50 off any big diesel oil change

Edwards Canvas, Pauls Valley - 5% Off Jenny’s Pics Photography, Lindsay10% Off $50 or More Purchase of Pictures

Lindsay Tire and Lube, Lindsay$5 Off Any Full Service Oil Change

M & M Furniture, Chickasha10% Off Any Purchase

Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, Purcell10% Off Purchase

Photos by Ginger, Pauls Valley1 Free 8x10 Print With First Order of $25

Pharmacy Discounts -

Check out the discounts available using your Co-op Connections Card at participating pharmacies throughout our area. For a complete list of pharmacies, visit REC’s website to see if your pharmacy is offering discounts to Co-op Connections Card holders.