Light Timers

Set it and forget it.

Automate Your Home Lighting with Confidence

Whether you’re looking to boost home security, lower your energy bills, or just simplify your daily routine, light timers are a smart, affordable solution. At BTE Electric, we install timers for everything from porch lights to holiday lighting: giving homeowners the convenience and peace of mind they didn’t know they were missing.

What Is a Light Timer?

A light timer is a device that automatically turns your lights on or off at scheduled times. Some timers operate based on:

Specific hours you set manually
Sunrise/sunset (astronomical timers)
Randomized patterns to simulate occupancy
Smartphone controls (smart timers)

No more forgetting to turn the lights off before bed, or leaving the house dark while you’re on vacation.

Common Questions About Light Timers

Q. Why Do Homeowners Call BTE for Light Timer Installation?

ANSWER: We hear things like:

“I want my outdoor lights to come on at night automatically.”
“We’re away a lot and want it to look like someone’s home.”
“Our porch light is always on, even during the day.”
“I’d like lights to come on at a certain time every evening.”
“Can you install a timer that doesn’t need to be reset after a power outage?”

Whether it’s for convenience, security, or efficiency, light timers are a simple win.

Q. Where Can You Use Light Timers?

ANSWER: Timers work just about anywhere, especially:

Outdoor Applications:

Porch and entry lights
Garage and driveway lighting
Landscape or holiday lighting
Backyard or patio lighting
Security floodlights

Indoor Applications:

Living room or hallway lamps
Basement or utility room lights
Smart lighting systems
Vacation or rental homes

Want to combine a timer with motion sensors or dusk-to-dawn control? We can do that too.

Q. What Types of Light Timers Are There?

ANSWER: There’s a timer for every budget and situation. The most common types include:

In-wall Digital Timers: Replace a standard light switch; programmable for daily schedules
Astronomical Timers: Adjust automatically based on sunset and sunrise times (no reset needed)
Plug-in Timers: Great for lamps or holiday lights
Smart Timers: Wi-Fi connected; control from your phone or voice assistant
Mechanical Timers: Simple, dial-based; low-cost option for basic use

BTE can help you choose the right timer based on your lighting setup, the fixture type, and how much control you want.

Q. Why Hire a Licensed Electrician?

ANSWER: While plug-in timers are DIY-friendly, many timers require hardwiring into your home’s electrical system. We make sure:

Wiring is done safely and to NEC code
The timer is compatible with your light fixture and bulb type
It’s properly grounded and doesn’t overload your circuit
It functions exactly how you want it to, every time

We also help with smart home integration if you want your lighting on a system like Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit.

Q. How Much Does It Cost to Install a Light Timer?

ANSWER: The price depends on the type of timer and where it’s being installed. Typical ranges include:

Basic in-wall digital timer: $150–$250 installed
Astronomical or advanced programmable timer: $200–$350
Smart timer (Wi-Fi connected): $250–$400+
Multiple timer installation: Custom quote depending on complexity

We’ll give you a clear, upfront quote, with no hidden fees or surprises.

Q. Can I override the timer if I need the light on/off manually?

ANSWER: Yes. Most timers have a manual override or switch function so you’re always in control.

Q. What happens if there’s a power outage?

ANSWER: Higher-end timers (like astronomical or smart timers) have battery backups or memory retention, so you won’t lose your schedule.

Q. Can you install a timer for multiple lights at once?

ANSWER: We sure can! Depending on your wiring, we may install timers that control a whole group of fixtures on a single circuit.

Q.What if I want to control it from my phone?

ANSWER: Smart timers are perfect for this, and we can walk you through setup on your phone or tablet.

Ready to Automate Your Lighting?

If you’re tired of flipping switches or just want to add a little intelligence to your home lighting, a professionally installed light timer is a great first step. Call BTE Electric today and let us help you choose and install the right timer for your home. It’s simple, affordable, and you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

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