Yeah, zoning motion sensors is definitely the way to go—especially if you've got critters roaming around. I've found smart switches great for main yard lighting, but bulbs really shine (pun intended...) for accent spots or seasonal setups. Mixing both usually gives the best results.
Couldn't agree more about mixing both—especially the bulbs for seasonal setups. Last Halloween, my porch bulbs decided to flicker ominously on their own... neighbors thought it was intentional. Best accidental decoration ever.
Smart bulbs definitely have their perks, especially for seasonal setups, but personally I lean more towards smart switches for outdoor use. A few reasons:
- Switches handle weather extremes better—bulbs can get glitchy in cold or damp conditions (maybe that's why yours flickered?).
- Easier to troubleshoot and replace standard bulbs if something goes wrong.
- Less hassle with connectivity issues outdoors; switches seem more reliable overall.
Still, accidental spooky flickering sounds like a win... maybe I should reconsider my setup next Halloween.
"Still, accidental spooky flickering sounds like a win... maybe I should reconsider my setup next Halloween."
Haha, honestly, the random flickering could be a feature, not a bug—perfect for Halloween vibes. But yeah, I'm with you on switches outdoors:
- Bulbs can be finicky in harsh weather (had one die on me mid-winter... not fun).
- Switches just feel sturdier and more reliable long-term.
- Easier to swap out bulbs without messing up your smart setup.
Bulbs are great indoors or for temporary setups, but switches outdoors just make life simpler.
Yeah, switches definitely hold up better outdoors. But honestly, bulbs can still work if you get the weatherproof ones—I had some survive a nasty storm last year. Still, switches just feel like less hassle overall...