Independent Electrical Contractors

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Experience the Benefits of Smart Lighting Controls

BY ADAM MACK, PRODUCT MANAGER, CASÉTA BY LUTRON 

Smart lighting has changed how we live in our homes — presenting opportunities for electrical contractors to increase customer satisfaction and gain repeat business. 

Smart Dimmers Make Regular Bulbs Smart 

Whether your customers are looking to create the perfect relaxing environment with the single tap of a button or voice command, increase peace of mind with automated lighting, or even add another switch where they have always wanted one, smart lighting controls can be the ultimate problem solver. There are two popular options for adding smart lighting: smart bulbs and smart controls. 

According to ENERGY STAR® the typical American home has over 40 lightbulbs. Replacing them with smart bulbs can become costly and can be difficult to control when the switch is accidentally toggled off. Smart dimmers and switches are a simple solution to control multiple bulbs and fixtures at once, meaning your customers get a lot more control with a lot less investment.

Additional benefits of smart lighting controls include: 

  • Easy to install: Wiring smart devices is virtually the same as traditional switches and dimmers. Look for smart dimmers that don’t require a neutral wire. 
  • Simple to use: Smart switches let customers control their lights in the app, with a smart remote, through a voice assistant, and at the switch. 
  • Add additional control: A wireless control can be mounted almost anywhere and look and feel like a regular switch — no cutting holes or pulling wires. 
  • Always connected: Bulbs lose their smart control if someone accidentally flips the switch. Smart switches solve that problem. 
  • Start small and expand: Your customers can start in one room and easily expand their system by adding more controls and devices when they are ready. 
  • Compatible with other smart home products: Be sure to select a switch that works with the smart devices your customers have and the ones they may get in the future. 

Smart Lighting Controls are Easy to Integrate into Your Business 

Mark Tobey and Joe Josko, professional installers with Mark Tobey Electrical Contracting, LLC, find that many customers don’t know the benefits of smart lighting. But once they try it, they want it in more parts of their home. 

“We’ve had many jobs where the solution was just a few smart switches. Once homeowners realized how easy they are to use and how convenient smart lighting can be, they always call us back to add more,” said Mark. 

On one of their jobs, the cost of replacing each bulb was prohibitively expensive. On another, there were compatibility issues and not all bulbs responded at the same time. As Joe pointed out, “No matter what, the smart switch just worked.” 

Like Mark and Joe, you can help your customers learn about the benefits of smart lighting. Here are a few next steps to help you get started: 

  • Know your options: Learn about the different available products, so you can recommend the solution that best meets your customers’ needs and budget. 
  • Try smart lighting in your home: Experience the benefits and features of smart lighting to increase your confidence. Showing how you use automation and schedules in your home is a simple way to bring it to life for your customers. 
  • Help your customers solve problems:  As you talk to your customers, notice how they use their space and what would make it easier for them. Be aware of the things that frustrate them in their homes. 
  • Simplify smart lighting for customers: Teach your customers the basics, like how to control their lighting remotely or set time schedules. This will remove a barrier for homeowners who see smart lighting as complicated or confusing. 

Whether it’s getting started with a single smart switch or installing a whole home system, smart lighting controls offer many opportunities for electrical contractors to build their business and delight their customers. For more in-depth training about smart products and applications, check with trusted manufacturers or local distributors. 

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