Craig DiLouie recently had the opportunity to interview Adam Mack, Product Manager, Caséta Wireless, Lutron Electronics, about what’s new in home automation for upcoming articles in Electrical Contractor and tED magazines. Transcript follows.
DiLouie: What are the benefits of home automation, and what role does lighting play in it?
Mack: Home automation systems deliver convenience, comfort, enhanced well-being, and peace of mind for homeowners. Intelligent, automated lighting and shade control can create the perfect atmosphere throughout the day, welcome you home to a beautifully lit house, and help you feel secure at night. They can also save energy, create magical moments, and work seamlessly with other smart home products to take advantage of today’s advanced technologies.
As a contractor or distributor, smart technologies allow you to meet customer demands while increasing project value, reducing labor costs, and expanding recurring revenue potential with the promise of system upgrades and ongoing support.
Intelligent, wireless lighting and shade control can offer personalized scene control, scheduling, geofencing, and voice-activated control from Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple home or other favorite digital assistants. Homeowners can control the entire system right from a smartphone app or wireless controls, and in most cases, the system can be expanded or enhanced at any time with no new wiring or construction. Home automation systems deliver more convenience with less disruption.
DiLouie: How does one select the right home automation system?
Mack: Intelligent lighting and shading systems come in options to suit every home size, budget, and aesthetic. Start with a few key questions such as the size of the home, whether the homeowner is interested in a new system or adding to an existing system, what are the budget and timeline constraints, are they looking to include shading solutions, and how open is the customer to a comprehensive, cloud-connected solution built to adapt and expand over time?
Once you understand the customer’s goals, work with your chosen manufacturer or rep to help identify the right system for your customer. Lutron, for example, offers wireless systems that can be as simple as smart control in a single room, or as powerful as integrated lighting, lighting control, and shading solutions for the entire home. Invest in the customer to build trust, offer the most appropriate smart solution and build long-term, profitable customer relationships.
DiLouie: What are the top 3-5 technology and homeowner trends currently influencing the home automation market?
Mack:
1. Seamless Integration and Interoperability
Homeowners are seeking smart home ecosystems that work effortlessly across platforms and devices. With the rise of “Works With” programs, Matter, and other unified standards, customers expect lighting, shading, and automation products to integrate seamlessly with voice assistants, smart thermostats, and other IoT devices. At Lutron, we focus on providing reliable, future-ready solutions that fit into any smart home ecosystem while maintaining our industry-leading performance.
2. Enhanced Convenience Through Automation
The shift from app-based control to proactive automation is reshaping homeowner expectations. Homeowners want technology that anticipates their needs, such as automated lighting schedules, occupancy sensing, and geofencing capabilities.
3. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Smart, automated lighting systems offer advanced dimming capabilities, motion sensors, and automated shading solutions that help alleviate rising energy costs, contribute to sustainability goals, and meet changing energy codes. They can also integrate with other smart home systems, such as HVAC, to further reduce energy use and environmental impact.
4. Customization and Personalization
Today’s homeowners value products that reflect their personal style and preferences. Customizable, preset lighting scenes, like “Relax” or “Entertain,” and a broad range of control styles, finishes, and smart remotes allow users to create a home environment tailored to their specific needs.
5. Reliable Wireless Connectivity
As homes adopt more connected devices, reliable wireless performance has become a critical consideration. Look for systems that utilize robust, patented, interference-free communications technologies that don’t rely on traditional Wi-Fi for reliable operation.
DiLouie: What role does the electrical distributor play in the home automation market, and what value does it offer?
Mack: Electrical distributors are critical partners in home automation, providing customers access to cutting-edge products from leading manufacturers. By curating high-quality, budget-friendly solutions and leveraging their industry relationships, distributors help contractors deliver innovative home automation technologies that delight end users.
DiLouie: What role does the electrical contractor play in the home automation market, and what value does it offer?
Mack: Electrical contractors are trusted advisors in home automation, recommending systems that meet homeowners’ unique lifestyle needs. By selecting the right solution, contractors can complete projects efficiently, stay on budget, and exceed client expectations—ultimately generating referrals and repeat business through delightful, personalized home technology installations.
DiLouie: What can electrical distributors do to be better sellers in this category and add value?
Mack: Leverage manufacturer’s reps or online manufacturer’s training to get educated on emerging technologies and the latest lighting and shading solutions. Then take that knowledge and educate your contractors to expand their ability to promote and install smart lighting systems. Don’t underestimate the value of having products in stock and readily available to help your contractors stay competitive and profitable by providing immediate solutions.
DiLouie: What can electrical contractors do to be more successful in this category and add value?
Mack: Homeowners are counting on their contractors for help and advice, so the first step is to understand the customer’s priorities and get familiar with the lighting systems that are available and their unique value propositions. By aligning system recommendations precisely with individual customer needs, you create a tailored solution that delivers genuine value for both the customer and your business.
DiLouie: If you could tell the entire electrical industry just one thing about opportunities in home automation, what would it be?
Mack: Home automation is booming as homeowners seek technologies that enhance convenience and provide peace of mind. For electrical contractors, staying current with innovative solutions allows them to differentiate themselves, win more jobs, and grow their business by meeting customers’ evolving lifestyle needs.
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