Most cost efficient way to upgrade to zwave light switches

NomisR

Member
I'm looking to upgrade my home with some automation and have decided to go with zwave.  Most of my lights are recessed lighting so the best way would probably to replace the switches.  I'm trying to figure out the most cost efficient ways to do this though.  
 
The biggest problem I'm trying to figure out is the dimmable and the 3/4 way switches
 
So I have 
 
1 - dimmable 4 way
2 - dimmable 3 way
4 - dimmable 2 way
2 - 3 way switches
3 - 2 way
 
It's not a lot of switches but i don't really want to swap out every switch, it would be the best to only swap out one switch that lets me control the 3 ways.  I'm looking at the Aeon Labs micro switch or I'm not sure what other options there are.  
 
Thanks!
 
Each light/group of lights that is controlled requires a single z-wave switch.  The others are remotes and don't carry a load, i.e. a 2-way will require one z-wave switch, and one remote, a 3-way will be one load and 2 remotes, etc.  Note that the wiring between the load and the remotes may be different than the wiring for "dumb" switches, so pay close attention to the instructions.
 
I'll add that you WILL have to swap out every switch, but you won't have to pay for a full z-wave switch for every location.  Just 12 Z-wave switches, and 16 remotes (if I counted right.  It's late and I'm half asleep)
 
Before spending money, it’s best to start out with a few switches, play around with software and become familiar with technology. You might find you don’t like Z-Wave.
 
The three/four-way manual switches currently installed might not be supported by Z-Wave manufacturer light control configuration. For Leviton Vizia+, there’s a specific multi-leg setup that’s supported. Because three-way switches can be wired multiple ways, installing Z-Wave light switch might be very difficult.
 
Are you boxes plastic/metal?
 
Are boxes deep enough to support HA light?
 
I removed my one of my three way switches (required drywall, patching, and painting) and replaced with a four button scene controller. I had to run a new electric circuit to scene controller.
 
Thanks for the information.  I'll have to start pulling out the switches to see what they're like behind the walls.  
 
Right now, I got a Piper thingy and it allows Z-Wave control which is why i'm looking at Z-Wave.  So far only playing with the door sensor and a wall plug control, it works pretty well.  I'm just trying to see which is easier, replacing entire switches or adding a controller and doing it that way.  But I guess in the end, it depends on how much room I have in the box.  
 
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