Lutron’s first-ever fan speed controller announcement was a hit at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show two months ago. Now Lutron’s Smart Fan Speed Control is shipping from $59, and early customers have shown off working HomeKit support.
Lutron’s new smart home accessory is a big deal because it adds smart fan features to traditional fans. Just replace the fan’s basic on/off wall switch; no need to replace the entire ceiling fan with a brand new ceiling fan just to gain smart home features.
HomeKit support is also impressive. An early customer shared a lengthy hands-on video on YouTube that demonstrates how Smart Fan Speed Control and Lutron’s bridge work in Apple’s Home app and with Siri using HomeKit.
Smart Fan Speed Control appears as a fan just like Hunter’s HomeKit ceiling fans (reviewed) with the same support for changing speed between 0/25/50/75/100 percent. Lutron’s retrofit solution lacks the ability to change fan direction and light control requires a separate Lutron wall switch, but Lutron’s new smart home product should make for a compelling upgrade to existing ceiling fans.
More info from the specs below:
Smart Fan Speed Control does require Lutron’s $79 Caseta bridge to work which will add to the total setup cost, but the price may still be compelling if you like your existing ceiling fan. Lutron Smart Fan Speed Control for a single fan retails for $59, or you can pay $30 more and include a remote with the wall switch replacement. If you already have Lutron Caseta wall light switches (reviewed), the same bridge is compatible and no additional bridge is required.
Top image via Rey G on YouTube
