If you’re looking to upgrade your lighting, investing in an intelligent lighting system should definitely be on your list. These smart systems are not only reliable, but they’re also energy-efficient, versatile, and revolutionary.
However, before spending all your money on a smart system, there are several factors you must consider to ensure you get the right lighting system for you.
Here are a few of them:
1. Type of smart lighting
Intelligent lighting systems come in two main models, wired and wireless. A wired lighting system refers to a light system that’s interconnected by wires.
This system is less popular and works for a home with a complex lighting configuration.
The most popular smart lighting system is the wireless one. Under this model, your light bulbs are connected and controlled by either wi-fi or Bluetooth.
Wireless intelligent lighting systems offer the most convenience and simplicity. However, different systems may differ in functionality and capability depending on whether they’re wi-fi or Bluetooth controlled.
Bluetooth-controlled systems can be managed by almost any device that’s Bluetooth enabled. Nonetheless, it’s limited in range and hence limits your control to lamps that are farther from you. It’s ideal for a small house.
Wi-fi-enabled lighting systems tend to offer a wider range since they’re controlled from your router. You can, therefore, control all the lights in your house from anywhere in the world, as long as you have internet access!
2. Right platform / Hub
Once you know which type of lighting system you want, you have to decide which is the right platform for you. This means finding the right hub to host all the devices in your lighting system.
Ideally, the platform should receive signals from your router and then send them to your cloud. This way, you’ll be able to access your lighting from any device and in any location in the world.
You also need to ensure that the platform doesn’t limit how many bulbs you can control, and allows you to control your lighting system from different points in the house.
Additionally, the platform should be able to accommodate other devices or extra lighting bulbs that you may want to add in the future.
As a rule, check the reviews of any intelligent lighting system brands online before purchasing them.
3. Energy consumption
A lighting system is called ‘intelligent’ because it uses LED technology that utilizes around 75% less energy than your conventional lamps. You, therefore, need to ensure that the system you want lives up to this consumption rate.
Before the purchase, ensure the lamps are LED and that they can automatically turn off when someone leaves a room.
Since LEDs last longer than halogen and incandescent lamps, using them ensures you save more energy long-term.
4. Programmability and versatility
Another key feature you must consider is the versatility and programmability of the smart lighting system. Every homeowner has their preference on how they want their lighting scenes and moods.
Therefore, the system should allow you to customize and modify the system to your liking. You should be able to create custom lighting schedules based on your habits or even make room groups for your lights.
For instance, if you like your lights dim when going to sleep, or prefer a sunrise scene when waking up, the system should allow you to create such a routine.
Moreover, if you want to create a room lighting group for your kitchen hallway and living area, the lighting system’s platform should enable you to do that.
This will make controlling your lighting very simple.
5. Compatibility with other features
With smart technology changing every day, you want your intelligent lighting system to be able to accommodate any new additions that may come up in the future.
Today, most intelligent lighting systems can be voice-controlled using devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home while others are remote-controlled.
You need to ensure that the lighting system is compatible with the hardware you intend to use. Look for a system that can complement other smart home devices to achieve the mood and scene you want.
Many homeowners want their smart lighting system connected with their security system for better safety. If this is your case, be sure to check intelligent lighting systems which support these capabilities.
Additionally, if you intend to make future additions like a smart shelf, motion sensor, light sensor, etc., ensure the system can support it.
6. Cost and ROI
While a smart lighting system isn’t the cheapest option in the market, it’s often cheaper in the long term. Due to the use of LEDs, they tend to last longer than your conventional bulbs ensuring you spend less than you would if you kept changing fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.
Their costs may also be higher due to the extra hardware and software that may be required for the installation.
Nevertheless, don’t always go for the cheapest intelligent lighting system, even if you’re on a tight budget. In many cases, cheap is expensive. Always check the type of the lighting system and its quality.
You are better off spending more on the initial costs for a system that will serve you for a long time.
7. Lighting color options
If you need smart lights for decorations, the color options available are very important. For an event like Christmas or Halloween, you’ll need a lighting system with multiple color change capabilities.
The lights should be easy to change brightness and mood to ensure you match the occasion. With some lighting systems, you can also program your lights to complement a series of color palettes or themes for your event.
Note: If you don’t need the multiple-colored smart lights, you can opt for the plain white lights. You’ll still be able to dim or brighten them to suit the atmosphere.
Final thoughts
Intelligent lighting systems can be a great addition to your house or office. However, you have to ensure you purchase the lighting system if you want to enjoy its numerous benefits.
By following the factors given above, we are confident that you’ll choose the right smart lighting system for your home. Good luck!