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How to Budget for a Smart Lighting System

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How to Budget for a Smart Lighting System

Upgrade your home lighting setup while managing the costs with a structured payment plan.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $22.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $400 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Smart dimmers change how your room feels at the tap of a button. You can set the mood for dinner or brighten things up for reading, all without touching a switch. Installing these while you are already painting is smart because you will have the walls open and the power off anyway.

Aim for the slow season in early winter to hire an electrician. Pros are often looking for work then, and it is the best time to negotiate a lower rate for the install. Get at least three quotes before you commit to anyone.

That 0% window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance on the card after those 18 months, you will start paying interest on the remaining amount, which will cost you more.

The steps

  1. 01

    Gather your quotes

    Call three local electricians to get quotes for the install. Do not just take the first number you hear. Ask them to include the cost of the hardware and the labor so you see the total price.

  2. 02

    Sync with your project

    Schedule the electrical work for the same week you plan to paint. Doing this at once saves you from having to patch holes in your new paint job later. It also means you only have to deal with the mess once.

  3. 03

    Use your intro window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This gives you an 18-month window to pay off the $400 project at $22.22 per month without paying interest.

  4. 04

    Set up auto-pay

    Set a monthly transfer for $23 to your credit card account. This covers your cost and keeps you on track. It is easier to set it and forget it than to remember to pay every month.

  5. 05

    Check the hardware

    Test every dimmer before the electrician leaves your house. Make sure the apps connect to your phone and the lights dim smoothly. If something flickers, have them fix it while they are still on-site.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need to buy the smart dimmers myself?

You can, but ask your electrician first. They might get a discount on parts or prefer a specific brand that is less likely to fail.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If you miss a payment, you might lose the promotional rate and end up with a high interest charge. Stick to your auto-pay plan to avoid this.

Can I install these myself?

If you are comfortable with wiring, yes. If you are not, leave it to a pro to avoid a fire hazard or a short in your system.

Is the $400 cost fixed?

No, that is just an average. Prices change based on how many lights you have and the complexity of your home wiring.