In a recent home automation study, it was found that over 80 percent of Canadians are well aware of smart home products, yet only 16 percent report having installed them in their own residence. In the United States, household penetration is nearly 20% and is forecast to reach about 39% over the next three years. Canada is catching up, beginning here in Edmonton Alberta where the benefits of home automation systems are being realized better than anywhere. When it comes to smart home adoption, one component leads the way - LED lighting systems. Here are some key reasons why homeowners and property managers are turning to smart lighting installations.
5 Reasons Why Edmonton Homeowners and Residential Property Managers Are Switching to Automated LED Lighting Systems
1. Significantly Reduces Monthly Utility Bill
On average, LEDs use 75 to 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Therefore, a switch to LEDs will lead to a decrease in monthly electricity consumption proportionately. What’s more, 90% of the energy consumed by traditional incandescent bulbs is given off as heat, which in the summer would add to your HVAC cooling load and incrementally increases your monthly utility spend.
Independently, LED lighting systems can provide significant cost savings, but when you factor in automation - the financial benefits grow. Smart LED lighting, which incorporates app-intelligence, light harvesting, occupancy sensing, and scheduling features, directly reduces energy “waste” and further cuts your monthly spend. An investment in LED lighting can begin to deliver ROI from the very first month of installation.
2. Earns Money Through Government Grants, Rebates, and Tax Credits
There are federal government energy efficiency programs available to Canadian homeowners, such as the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) program, which provides rebates to homeowners making energy-saving renovations. But things look even better for Alberta homeowners who live in Edmonton where there are additional provincial programs and municipal grants, rebates, and tax credits. This includes the Energy Efficiency Alberta’s Home Improvement Rebate program (EEA).
Call BLDG Electric at (780) 328-6491 to find out how we can help you qualify for both federal, provincial, and municipal programs that will help you pay for your smart LED lighting investment.
3. Reduces Cost of Annual Maintenance
When you have state-of-the-art smart lighting fixtures installed by one of Edmonton’s top residential electricians, you gain a system that’s built to last. There will be little to no annual maintenance and far fewer bulb replacements. With BLDG Electric LED lighting you will reduce yet another annual cost.
4. Improves Functional Lighting and Livability
The same smartphone/tablet app-enabled controls that help reduce your monthly expenses (occupancy sensing and scheduling features), also increases quality of life in the home. Through improved functional lighting, both residents and guests will enjoy a far better experience as they move from room to room.
5. Provides Better Home Security
Next to cost savings, smart LED lighting systems are probably best known for the real-time security measures that they provide property owners and occupants. Motion sensors light the way towards greater safety in and outside of the property, garages and laneway houses included. Scheduling capabilities allow residents to manage lighting while at work, or out of town for extended periods of time so that it appears like someone is at home. When adjustments need to be made on the fly, cyber-secure technology permits lighting systems to be accessible from smartphones and tablets should security systems (or neighbors) alert you to suspicious activity around the property. In fact, no home security system is complete without smart LED lighting.
Ready to upgrade your home or building to a smart LED lighting systems? See our broader list of residential electrical contracting services, smart lighting for commercial properties, or Contact us today for assistance.