(NewsUSA) - With all the talk about smart
technology and connected homes, you may be wondering why you should take notice. After all, it is
not that difficult or inconvenient to turn your lights on and off.
According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), smart technology is not just about
convenience. It is not even just about lighting. It is also about energy efficiency and
safety.
Efficiency
Smart technology allows you to connect your home's
electronic devices to one device, such as a phone, tablet or computer. Having a connected home
means you have the ability to adjust your thermostat, open and close window shades, and activate
your security system remotely, or program those devices to operate automatically at pre-set
times.
Safety
Efficiency is important, but safety is paramount. With the
ability to connect to your home's devices from anywhere in the world comes the peace of mind of not
wondering if your security system is activated and knowing your outside and inside lights will be
on before you arrive home after dark.
Convenience
Home automation apps make it a snap to change your room
into the perfect setting for different activities. For example, for movie night, a system like
Lutron's Caseta Wireless can be pre-programmed to adjust all the lights in your family room to set
the scene for a great movie-watching experience.
If installing and operating smart technology equipment sounds complicated and
expensive, it's not. According to the ALA, there are some simple and surprisingly inexpensive
options available on today's market.
A number of ALA-member manufacturers, including Legrand, Lutron Electronics, Philips
and Acuity Brands Lighting offer reasonably priced, easy-to-install automation products designed to
make your home more comfortable, convenient and safe. In many cases, it just takes simple
retrofitting of an existing dimmer switch.
Erik Anderson, national sales manager for Lutron Electronics, explains that the Caseta
Wireless is very retrofittable 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," says Anderson.
For added ease, Lutron's Caseta Wireless system can be integrated with Apple, Amazon
or Google platforms for use inside your home. And when you are outside, an app or geofencing allows
you to adjust your inside and/or outside lights, even before you arrive home. That will make your
home welcoming to you and your guests.
To learn more about making your home smarter, stop by your local ALA-member lighting
showroom to see the latest technology for home environment automation. Go online to
DesignVideos.Lighting to view a video from Lutron as well as lighting-trends videos from other
ALA-member lighting manufacturers. Find more about all things lighting at AmericanLightingAssoc.com.