The Direct Benefits of Intelligent Lighting Control

Photo Courtesy of Lutron

Experience Greater Energy Savings, Effortless Automation, and Improved Wellness

Although it may not be as exciting as other high-tech novelties like micro-LED screens or invisible speakers, smart lighting control systems are one of the most impactful technology upgrades. Lighting is vital to our day-to-day lives, yet we tend to take it for granted. Until we have a TV show ruined by bad glare or see energy waste from lights left on overnight. 

When you move on from basic on/off switches, you’re able to create an environment that lowers utility costs, automatically balances natural and artificial light, and complements your human biology. There’s less work for you and a more inviting home on the other end. 

Reduce Energy Waste With Automated Controls 

How often are your kids leaving lights on when they’re no longer needed? It takes a lot of manual and mental effort to manage artificial and natural light. Over time, the excess energy use mounts up on your monthly energy bills. With intelligent lighting control, you automate controls using sensors and schedules to eliminate human error and reduce utility costs. 

First, we recommend dedicated dimming settings. Except for during a deep clean on a Sunday afternoon, there are a few times your lights need to be at 100%. We’ll work with you to find the ideal levels for reading, watching TV, or playing video games. Small dimming changes immediately reduce electricity consumption while often being imperceptible to the human eye. 

The other common way to reduce costs is to use occupancy and vacancy sensors. We’ll set up the rules that the sensors will follow. For example, lights will automatically shut down after 10 minutes of inactivity in the children’s playroom. Schedules help as well. Landscape lighting automatically shuts off at sunrise based on astronomical clocks—no need to adjust the time from season to season. 

Maximize Natural Light With Daylight Harvesting

By combining your lighting control system with motorized shades, you can more intuitively manage sunlight to improve your well-being, reduce energy costs, and enhance your decor. Photo sensors measure incoming sunlight and adjust accordingly. When sunlight is available, shades open and interior fixtures dim down or turn off as natural sunlight floods the room. 

As with most things, you want sunlight in moderation. If sunlight is hitting windows directly, it may be best to lower shades to prevent solar heat gain, glare, and damage to your interiors. Otherwise, UV rays will cause fading to hardwood floors, custom artwork, and delicate fabrics. It’s a delicate balance that is much easier to master with intuitive controls. 

Support Daily Well-Being With Tunable Circadian Lighting

Part of the reason you want sunlight available whenever possible is that we use it to regulate our body’s internal clock. When that clock is running well, you get a better sleep quality, focus, and mood. Human biology relies on the changing colour temperature of the sun to regulate melatonin levels and cortisol production. 

With so much of our time spent indoors, it’s important to keep that connection happening. You can do that through circadian lighting, which gradually transitions light from cool blues in the morning to warm amber as the hours progress. 

At 7 a.m., your system pulls up soft, cool tones reminiscent of sunrise. By mid-afternoon, blue-white lights encourage productivity in the home office. In the evening, lights dim and acquire a golden hue that lets your brain know it's time to produce melatonin and prepare for restorative sleep. 

All of this happens on an automated schedule. You may not notice the subtle shifts in light throughout the day, but you’ll feel more rested and productive. 

Are you ready to move on from the on/off switch? Get in touch with the team at Lucent Controls to design a custom lighting solution tailored to your home.