– You may be wondering what all the fuss is about connected homes and smart technology. It isn’t difficult or complicated to switch your lights on or off.
The American Lighting Association (ALA) says that smart technology goes beyond convenience. Smart technology is more than lighting. It’s also about safety and energy efficiency.
Efficiency
Smart technology lets you connect all of your electronic devices in your home to one device. This could be a smartphone, tablet, or computer. A connected home allows you to remotely adjust the temperature, open and close windows, activate your security system, or program these devices to work at pre-set times.
Safety
Safety is more important than efficiency. You can connect to your home from any location in the world, and you will have peace of mind knowing that your security system has been activated.
Convenience
You can easily transform your living space into the ideal environment for different activities using home automation apps. Pre-programming a Lutron’s Caseta Wireless system can allow you to control all lights in your room so that it is perfect for watching movies.
It’s not difficult and costly to install and operate smart technology equipment. According to the ALA there are simple, inexpensive options on the market today.
Many ALA member manufacturers such as Legrand, Lutron Electronics Philips, Acuity Brands lighting and Lutron Electronics offer affordable, easy-to install automation products that will make your home safer, more comfortable and convenient. Most cases it is as easy as retrofitting an existing dimming switch.
Erik Anderson is the national sales manager of Lutron Electronics. He explains how Caseta Wireless fits into existing homes. “All you have to do is take your existing dimmer or switch out of the wall and replace it with a Caseta dimmer or switch, add a smart bridge and you have the ability to control it from an app, or from voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri,”Anderson.
Lutron’s Caseta Wireless system, which can be integrated with Amazon, Google and Apple platforms, is also available for home use. An app or geofencing lets you adjust your outside and/or inside lights even before you get home. You and your guests will feel more at home in your home.
Visit your local ALA-member showroom to find out more about how you can make your home smarter. Go online to DesignVideos.Lighting to view a video from Lutron as well as lighting-trends videos from other ALA-member lighting manufacturers. You can learn more about all things lighting by visiting AmericanLightingAssoc.com.
