3 Smart Tips for a Better Home Lighting Control Design

You can have the newest, most advanced home automation technology, but it’s useless unless it’s installed in a thoughtful, functional manner. This is true of lighting control systems as well; it’s important to use the right components and implement them in an intelligent matter.

But what if you’re not a smart home expert? Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for. Today’s blog will walk you some guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to lighting control for your Portland, OR, home.

SEE ALSO: Top Benefits of a Home Lighting Installation

INSTALLATION BASICS

A critical factor early on in a lighting control installation is choosing between a wired system or a wireless one. Wired systems require new cabling to be installed and connected to your fixtures and control switch. The control switch is concealed in a utility closet or another discreet location.

Wired lighting control systems cost more than wireless systems because they require additional components and setup time. Plus, you may need to put some holes in your walls to run the new cables. Once the installation process is complete, however, you have a robust and reliable system.

Because they don’t require any additional cables, wireless systems are both easier to install and cheaper. This makes wireless systems ideal for retrofits or remodel jobs. The trade-off with wireless systems is they rely on a steady wireless signal to work properly, which can cause occasional hiccups.

USE LED BULBS

Different lightbulbs produce spectacularly different effects in your home. When it comes to smart lighting control, we recommend LEDs.

LEDs run much more efficiently than incandescent bulbs, and they’re also safer and more efficient than CFLs. The biggest factor distinguishing LEDs from other light fixtures, however, is how they allow for much greater customization. Warm-dimming LEDs give you independent control over the color temperature and intensity of a fixture. Now you have many more options for lighting a room.

INCLUDE ANY OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Landscape lighting can help your home make a more distinct impression in the neighborhood. Using spotlights and other fixtures, you can combine light and shadows to create stunning lighting designs. A properly designed outdoor lighting system can greatly increase curb appeal and help your home stand out.

INCORPORATE AUTOMATION AND LIGHTING SCENES

Lighting control lets you create your own lighting scenes to suit every mood and situation. These scenes can be limited to your lights, or you can combine lights with other automation systems like motorized shades and thermostats for even greater convenience.

One scene you might create is a “Dinner” setting that dims the lights in your kitchen, lowers your blinds, fires up your speakers and plays your favorite music to relax to. For your outdoor fixtures, you can design an “Outdoor Party” scene that turns on the lights for your deck, patio or yard while keeping most of your other lights turned off. This way, your guests will migrate to the same areas, keeping the party together. 

If you’re ready to get started on a smart lighting control system for your Portland home, we’d love to work with you. Call us today at (503) 515-1192, reach out to us online or leave a message in the chat box at the bottom of your browser.