Yeah, the old insulation and critters are a nightmare—been there. I’m with you on smart switches, though. I’ve tried smart bulbs outside, but honestly, they’re just one more thing to replace when the weather gets weird or someone flips the wrong switch inside. At least with a smart switch, you can use whatever bulb you want and still have manual control. Ever run into issues with dimmers and LED compatibility? That’s bitten me a couple times, especially with older wiring.
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually lean toward smart bulbs for outdoor setups, especially if you want color options or scenes. Here’s the thing—if you stick to enclosed fixtures and use bulbs rated for outdoor use, they hold up better than you’d think. Plus, you can group them for parties or holidays without rewiring anything. The switch-flipping issue is real, though... I’ve taped over a few switches to keep guests from killing the vibe. As for dimmers, yeah, that’s a headache—sometimes it’s just trial and error with which bulbs play nice.
I hear you on the color options—nothing like a little purple glow for Halloween or red and green for December. But I’ve had a few smart bulbs go rogue after a rainstorm, even in “weatherproof” fixtures. Maybe my luck’s just bad? I do love the grouping feature, though. As for taping over switches, I’ve resorted to those plastic switch guards... guests still manage to find a way. Dimmers are a whole other circus—sometimes it feels like you need a PhD just to get the right combo.
As for taping over switches, I’ve resorted to those plastic switch guards... guests still manage to find a way.
That’s exactly my struggle. In my 1920s place, the original switches are practically a feature, but nobody can resist flipping them—even with guards. I’ve had smart bulbs reset mid-dinner because someone wanted “more ambiance.” Honestly, I’m leaning toward smart switches for the yard. Less drama with rain, and they don’t mess with the house’s old-school charm. The bulbs are fun, but I just don’t trust them outside, no matter what the box says.
I hear you on the old switches—ours are basically antiques too, and people just can’t help themselves. I’ve been eyeing smart switches for outside, mostly for the same reasons: less chance of someone messing up the setup, and they seem sturdier for weather. Have you run into any wiring headaches with smart switches in an older house? I’m a bit nervous about what’s hiding behind my walls...