If you have been shopping for smart home devices, chances are you may have seen the Z-wave logo somewhere on it. Z-wave technology is a modern communication protocol and has become more common across smart and remote devices, such as Z-wave dimmers. But with the added price tag for the feature, is it worth it?

Z-wave dimmers are quite affordable compared to several years ago. With the devices, you also get several benefits like single hub control, smart integration, easy installation, energy and cost savings, and more, which make their price worth the value.

In this article, you will learn more about Z-wave light dimmers, their cost, and why you should (or shouldn’t) purchase one for your home.

How Much Are Z-Wave Dimmers?

To give you an idea of the typical cost of a Z-wave dimmer, here are some of the best Z-wave dimmers available on the market today:

Honeywell UltraPro Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Dimmer Switch

Compatible with all certified Z-wave gateways like SmartThings, the Honeywell UltraPro allows for seamless integration with your existing Z-wave smart devices and hubs. The Honeywell UltraPro also comes with a wireless and remote feature, which makes it easy for you to control and schedule your home lighting system manually or wirelessly.

The dimmer switch is easy to install and can work with your existing in-wall switch wires. It is also compatible with LED, halogen, CFL, and incandescent bulbs.

GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Dimmer

It also comes with a 3-way ready feature that allows you to interlink your dimmer with a multi-switch setup and up to four switch add-ons. It is effortless to install and can replace any standard in-wall switch with a dedicated neutral to enable multiple dimming options. The dimmer is currently compatible with LED, incandescent, halogen, and CFL bulbs.

The GE Enbrighten Smart Light Dimmer features Z-wave plus technology, which works perfectly with older generations/devices with the Z-wave ability. If you are concerned about saving energy, then the GE Enbrighten Dimmer with full-range dimming is your best option.

Are There Additional Costs?

Depending on the manufacturer or brand, the Z-wave dimmer you purchase may come with a brand-designed smart remote, wall plate, and neutral wire for setup.

Typically, there is no additional cost aside from an optional installation fee, which may cost around $100-$1000, depending on the number of Z-wave switches you are installing. However, if you want remote management, alerts, and other smart features, you may need to bundle it with a smart home ecosystem with Z-wave capabilities like the Google Assistant or Alexa.

Before opting for a smart home system to use with your Z-wave dimmer, you should compare costs and features to see which system is best for you.

Z-Wave Dimmers: A Smart Buy or Waste of Money?

If you are thinking of automating your home lighting system to either manage your home energy usage or control your lighting, you will be faced with the option of buying a Wi-Fi dimmer or Z-wave dimmer. Just like any smart home device, the Z-wave dimmer comes with its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

  • Since Z-wave is a mesh network and protected from the internet, there is less possibility of malware or viruses. In other words, your smart home devices are safe from hackers and cyber-attacks.Many brands and types of affordable Z-wave dimmer products are available on the market.You can control all your Z-wave devices from a single SmartThings hub instead of using different mobile apps to manage your home devices.Due to the continued adoption of Z-wave technology by smart home device manufacturers, the Z-wave dimmer is compatible with many smart security systems and Z-wave remote controls.Wireless and easy to interconnect with other Z-wave devices. Remember that each Z-wave unit acts as an extender. So, the more Z-wave dimmers you have installed, the better the coverage and its response to commands.

Cons

  • The Z-wave technology is still in the “maturing” phase, so you may not be able to integrate your Z-wave dimmer to every smart home device.  Some of the Z-wave dimmers communicate over power connections, and its design makes it susceptible to noise interference; your lights may turn on because of noise and not due to you using the remote control.

Final Thoughts

While Z-wave technology is still a greenhorn in the game of smart home automation when compared to Wi-Fi technology, Z-wave dimmers are definitely worth every penny. Before purchasing a Z-wave dimmer for your home, however, you should do your research and find out which Z-wave dimmer would work best with your smart lighting needs.

Don’t have Z-wave-compatible hubs to work with a dimmer? Check out our articles about smart light dimmer brands like Phillips Hue or Lutron Caseta.