Light timers and controls automatically turn your home’s outdoor and indoor lights on and off. Ace offers a wide selection of quality light control devices, from old-school mechanical timers to newfangled Wi-Fi-enabled models and everything in between.
Do Light Switch Timers Save Electricity?
By automating all or parts of your home lighting, you help ensure that you use electricity only when necessary. For example, if you or other household members often forget to turn off lights, a timer does it for you, helping to reduce your monthly expenses and energy consumption.
Benefits of Outdoor and Indoor Light Controls
While electricity savings are a big factor, making the switch to home light controls can provide many additional benefits, including:
- Improved outdoor security at night: Motion- or light-activated outdoor lights increase your sense of security by illuminating dark areas when movement is detected or when the sun goes down. You’ll never have to remember to turn the porch light on or off again with outdoor light controls.
- Improved sense of safety while you’re away: Program indoor light timers to turn lights on and off while you’re on vacation to give the impression that someone’s home.
- Greater convenience: Enjoy greater convenience by setting your outdoor lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Additionally, smart light timers give you instant control of your lights from your smart device, no matter where you are.
Six Types of Light Timers
At Ace, you’ll find many different types of light timers with various features. The right type of timer for you depends on your needs and how you plan to use it.
Mechanical Timers
Also known as analog timers or countdown timers, mechanical timers feature a spring-loaded design that operates similarly to an egg timer. These devices are simple and easy to operate and are commonly used for lights, ceiling fans, bathroom heat lamps and hot tubs.
Digital Timers
Digital light timers are programmable and feature an easy-to-read display. These versatile “set-it-and-forget-it” devices require some hands-on programming, but once that’s done, your lighting will practically run itself. These timers include:
- 24-hour models: Program multiple on/off cycles in a 24-hour period, which will repeat daily.
- 7-day models: Program a different schedule for each day.
- Random setting features: Turn on and off lights at various times to give the appearance that someone is home.
- Smart digital timers: Connect to Wi-Fi, enabling you to control them remotely with your phone, tablet or other device.
Photocell Timers
Sometimes referred to as photoelectric timers, these light-sensitive models use sensors to turn lights on and off automatically when the indoor or outdoor light levels fall below a certain threshold. Keep in mind that photocell timers may not work properly outdoors if they’re placed near streetlights or other ambient lighting.
Astronomical Timers
These digital timers know when the sun rises and sets each day. Astronomic timers automatically turn lights on or off at sunrise or sunset.
Motion-Activated Timers
Motion-activated light timers turn lights on when a built-in sensor detects movement and turn them off after a certain amount of time. They’re commonly used for outdoor security lighting, but they’re also great for bathrooms, garages, basements and other areas where lights are often turned on and forgotten.
Power Strips with Timers
Power strip outlet timers are equipped with a 24-hour timer and generally feature eight outlets—four controlled by the timer and four controlled by the on/off switch on the strip. They make great indoor light timers.
Tips for Using a Time Switch for Lights
Light switch and outlet timers help control individual lights or create a functional timed home lighting schedule. Follow these tips to get the most out of your light timers:
- Only use outdoor-rated timers outside, and plug them into a grounded outlet.
- Use heavy-duty outdoor light timers with pool pumps and electric water features.
- Use Christmas light timers with your Halloween lighting and decor, your patio string lights and other seasonal outdoor lights so they don’t stay on all night.
- Integrate your indoor and outdoor light switch timers with other smart home products, including your smart security system and smart lighting setup, to make life easier and save on your energy bill.
Find Light Switch Timers Near You at Ace
Gain more control over your lights, appliance and energy spend with lighting timers near you at Ace Hardware. Shop online or visit your local Ace to find the light switch timers you need for a more functional and energy-efficient home.
