As smart home technology becomes more accessible and essential for property managers, lighting automation has emerged as a powerful tool for short-term rental owners. Not only can it enhance the guest experience, but it can also streamline operations, improve energy efficiency, and protect your investment.
In this article, we’ll break down how to use lighting automation to think about how to control smart devices—like plugs and switches—to automate key functions in your vacation rental.
What Is Lighting Automation?
Lighting automation refers to the ability to control lights (and other powered devices) automatically based on schedules, occupancy, or system triggers. For short-term rental properties, this involves using smart switches and smart plugs to power devices on or off based on guest check-in/out times or rental calendar integrations.
Two Types of Devices for Lighting Automation
There are two main types of devices used in lighting automation for rentals:
1. Smart Switches
Smart switches replace traditional wall switches and can control hardwired systems or appliances. These are ideal for:
- Electric floor heating – Turn floors on before guests arrive to provide a warm welcome.
- Mini-split AC units – Use a smart switch to power on supplemental cooling systems only during guest stays.
- Well/water systems – For homes on well water, power can be turned on and off in sync with guest arrivals and departures, avoiding unnecessary energy use.
2. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs work with any outlet-based device, allowing remote control and scheduling. These are great for:
- Water heaters – Automatically turn on the water heater before check-in and off after checkout.
- Dehumidifiers – Run them only when needed or when the property is unoccupied to prevent humidity damage.
- Beverage fridges – Save energy by cutting power when guests aren’t around to use them.
Advanced Lighting Automation with SmartThings
For more advanced setups, platforms like SmartThings allow you to automate schedules, trigger devices based on calendar events, and even power cycle devices periodically. Power cycling is particularly useful for electronics or appliances that tend to lose connectivity or function over time unless they’re reset.
Example: Schedule a router or media device to automatically turn off and on once every 24 hours to maintain optimal performance.
Why Lighting Automation Matters in a Short-Term Rental
Lighting automation—and smart device control in general—brings a range of benefits:
✅ Improved guest experience – Lights and devices are ready and responsive when guests arrive.
✅ Reduced energy costs – Eliminate waste by only running appliances when necessary.
✅ Increased reliability – Automatically cycle devices to avoid issues during guest stays.
Start Automating Your Lighting Today
Smart lighting automation is more than just a convenience—it’s a competitive advantage for hosts who want to provide top-tier hospitality while simplifying their operations.
Whether you’re automating heated floors with a smart switch or optimizing your water heater usage with a smart plug, the right setup will help you create a smarter, more efficient rental property.
🔜 Next up in our automation series: How to use location modes to trigger smart actions based on occupancy.
Need help choosing the right smart devices for your rental? Visit Rental Home Automator for expert-tested recommendations built for short-term rental success.
