With advancements in technology and the increased ease of adapting such technology in everyday life, home automation systems are concepts that are quickly gaining popularity in India. A big part of home automation is a smart house lighting system, which provides enhanced control over light fixtures and ultimately visual comfort. Read on to learn all about what smart home lighting is, its features, components, benefits and types, so that you can adapt this technology into your home and simplify your life.
What are Smart Lights?
Smart lights are a part of an advanced technology that encompasses home automation for enhanced control over lights. Smart home lighting control systems allow the regulation of various aspects of light—such as colour, lighting durations and function—without the necessity of physical control through switches. With remote operability through phones, remotes or other such devices, smart lights and smart switches are redefining the meaning of homely comfort and rapidly transforming the way we live and experience life.
Components of a Smart Home Lighting Control System
Typically, a smart home lighting system consists of the following elements:
- Sensors: These detect room occupancy based on factors like movement (motion sensors) and heat and analyse this data to take the necessary action- such as switching on a light when somebody enters the room or reducing the light temperature when it is hot.
- Timers: Many automatic lights for home consist of regulated timers. These consist of preset data to control lights based on the time of day. For example, a lighting system can be instructed to switch on a light at 6 am and reduce its intensity at 6 pm.
- Controlling Equipment: Smart lights are generally controlled through smartphones or remotes. However, Google Alexa controlled lights are also common, along with other voice and Wifi controlled equipment.
- Energy Trackers: Such devices record the energy requirement of light fittings, analyse this data and provide suggestions to increase the energy efficiency based on individual usage patterns.
- Integration Systems: All the light fixtures in a smart home system are generally connected to a central hub, which allows the operation and control of lighting factors through the integration of all components. Most commonly, this system is Wifi-controlled, although bluetooth, Zigbee and wired internet connections can also be used.
What Can a Smart Lighting System Control?
A smart home lighting design typically allows control over the following aspects regarding lights:
- Lighting Times and Duration: Wifi lights can be conditioned to switch on and off or operate in particular ways during different times of the day. Apart from being convenient, this aspect allows a controlled system of lighting that can lead to predictable utility charges.
- Light Colour and Temperature: Depending on the room function at a particular time, LED smartlights can adjust their light colour and temperature. This is especially beneficial for multipurpose spaces, where a different ambience is required at different times.
- Light Intensity: One of the major indicators of thermal comfort in a room is light intensity. Smart lights can reduce their intensity when a person is relaxing and increase it during more strenuous tasks like studying, cooking or working.
- Energy Consumption: With regulated control over other lighting aspects like intensity, brightness and duration, a smart light can ensure energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. It can also be switched off remotely in case one leaves home after forgetting to do so, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
Types of Smart Lights
- Smart Bulbs: Bulbs are generally used to provide focus lighting for specific tasks like studying and working, although ambient light can also be provided by a single bulb in small spaces like bathrooms. Some of the best smart light bulbs incorporate built-in speakers and cameras, enabling them to be used for multiple purposes simultaneously.
- Smart LED Strip Lights: These typically provide uniform lighting across their entire length, although smart features can help vary their appearance as required. Such lights are most commonly used to highlight particular design features in spaces, such as false ceilings, feature walls and paintings.
- Smart Ceiling Light: A ceiling light is one of the simplest types of light that can be installed during construction and concrete slab casting. It provides uniform light across a space when properly positioned, setting the ambient atmosphere of the room with versatility offered by the inclusion of smart technology.
Apart from these common types, smart lights are also available in various other forms like lamps, uplighters, focus lights, accent lights and landscape lights.
Benefits of Smart Home Lighting
A smart lighting system offers the following advantages that make it a favourable addition to homes:
- Convenience and Comfort: Smart lights can be controlled remotely, by voice-commands or through motion sensing, providing convenience without physical exertion. This is especially beneficial for elderly and specially-abled people.
- Energy Efficiency: Data recording, tracking and analysis help embrace sustainable building practices, leading to people making more informed and eco-friendly choices regarding their daily energy usage.
- Versatility and Adaptability: Smart LED lights are available in various designs, colours and types. Typically, lighting factors like colour and brightness can also be adjusted as required, facilitating enhanced adaptability to different room activities, functions and needs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Although installing a smart lighting system can be expensive initially, the long-term savings on energy bills usually make up for this expenditure. This technology is also becoming cheaper everyday, owing to increased demand, availability and popularity.
- Increased Property Value: A home which incorporates home automation technologies like smart lights often has a higher property value. This is due to the various other benefits that these technologies offer.
Installing a Smart Home Lighting System
With increased awareness of the multiple advantages that they offer, technologies like home automation and smart lighting systems are becoming integral and popular components of buildings. Brick & Bolt, a tech-enabled company, offers construction packages that guarantee the integration of the latest technologies like smart lights. Complete end-to-end construction services provided by the company also assure property owners peace of mind and safe money transactions. Contact Brick & Bolt today to build a home that has enhanced comfort, convenience, beauty and functionality!
Apoorva H P Achar