Smart lighting will eventually take over as the new standard for all homes and businesses, replacing more conventional approaches to lighting control. Even now, the benefits of smart technology are being enjoyed by millions of households across the country.
But what exactly is a smart lighting control system, and what are its benefits? Is it a costly property improvement project, or the kind of home upgrade that more than justifies the expense?
What is a Smart Lighting Control System?
A smart lighting control system enables the occupants of a property to take more precise control over its lighting system. For example, all of the lights integrated into the system could be turned on or off simultaneously, or interacted with in different ways to suit the user’s preferences at the time.
These control systems can be programmed with pre-set themes of preferred settings, with different times of day or activities in mind. From reading books to cooking to watching movies with the family, the perfect ambiance can be created at the touch of a button.
These also are programmed to automatically turn specific lights on or off at certain times, as preferred by the user.
Wired vs. Wireless
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Not only is a wireless lighting control system easier to install, but it is also the cheaper of the two options. Using cables to physically link control switches, lighting units and other parts of a smart lighting system is a more difficult and disruptive project, which also calls for significantly more hardware and accessories.
With a wireless approach, no cables need to be installed and the devices can be fitted with relative ease. The devices are designed to communicate with each other wirelessly, with no physical connections necessary.
After which, the system in its entirety can be controlled from a centralized control panel, a connected mobile device, or even a smart home assistant (like Amazon’s Alexa).
The Benefits of Smart Home Lighting Control
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A smart home lighting system can be an enjoyable gadget to play with. Even so, the appeal of the installation goes far beyond its novelty value.
Installation of an effective and efficient smart lighting system can bring numerous benefits into the home, including but not limited to the following:
1. Energy Savings
A good home lighting control system will be designed to keep energy use to the bare minimum. The devices themselves are engineered to minimize energy consumption. In addition, the controls can be programmed to ensure the lights are only activated at times they are needed.
For example, schedules can be programmed into the system to automatically turn lights on or off at certain times. It is also possible to check the status of your lights at home via a mobile device from any location, in case you accidentally left one or more lights on. If so, they can be switched off remotely at the touch of a button.
Most smart lighting systems also provide more precise control over the intensity; the modern equivalent of the classic dimmer switch.
2. Theme Setting
As already touched upon, themes can be programmed into a smart lighting system, which can then be activated at a touch. For example, you could create a ‘Movie’ theme, where the main lights are turned off as your feature lights are activated to create an immersive and intimate environment.
Other settings could be programmed into the system for cooking, working, dining, reading books, playing board games and so on. There may also be several settings programmed into the system by default, such as all on and all of.
3. Longer Lasting Bulbs
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The kinds of bulbs that are designed to be used with smart lighting systems naturally have a long lifespan. If you use the best-LED bulbs money can buy, you will often be looking at at least a decade before they need to be replaced. But when combined with a smart system, this lifespan can be extended indefinitely.
This is due to the way in which it enables the bulbs to be used more mindfully, economically, and sparingly. You only use the exact bulbs you need to use at the time, and they are illuminated only to the necessary level.
With smart lighting, extending the lifespan of quality LED beyond two decades or more is perfectly possible.
4. Safety and Security
They can also be useful for minimizing the risk of slips, trips, and falls during hours of darkness. Themes can be set up to activate when it is necessary to get up during the night, or motion sensors can be installed to automatically turn the lights on or off. All while ensuring the illumination provided is subtle enough to avoid disturbing restful sleep.
In addition, automating on/off cycles for different lights around the home at different times can be great for boosting home security. There is no better deterrent than giving would-be intruders the impression somebody is home at the time.
Lighting control systems improve on the capabilities of classic timers, in that they can be used to activate different lights at different times in different parts of the home. They can also be connected to exterior lights, motion sensors, and more.
5. Property Value Improvements
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Last but not least, the installation of a quality smart lighting system can be a surprisingly cost-effective home improvement project. Best of all, the contribution such a system can make to a property’s value will almost always exceed the initial installation costs.
If preferred, it is not strictly necessary to conduct a full conversion of your home’s entire lighting system. There is always the option of simply bringing one or two smart controllers into the main rooms of your home, where you spend most of your time.
This upgrade can therefore represent an affordable long-term investment in your home’s comfort, convenience, and curb appeal. In particular, the safety and security aspects make it an upgrade that is well worth considering.
To learn more about the available solutions please visit the website of Evvr.
