Lighting makes a huge difference in the value and feel of a home, and many homeowners don’t realize how easy it can be to upgrade. With many products now having long warranties and LED featuring low energy consumption, upgrading your lighting can not only increase the value of your home, but also save you money in the long run.
For example, replacing older, conventional lighting with LED lighting not only provides long-term energy savings, but can significantly decrease the impacts of light trespass. In turn, this can reduce the amount of brightness from a nearby street lamp or building and in turn, reduce outdoor lighting costs. Additionally, many LED fixtures are now designed for convenience and are able to be dimmed, providing homeowners the ability to tailor the lighting to their specific needs.
Installing automated lighting systems is another great way to increase a home’s value and the safety of those living there. Automated lighting control can not only adjust the brightness of lights throughout the house, but it can turn lights off and on via the homeowner’s phone or any wireless device connected to the system. Control devices like Caseta Smart Dimmer Switches, Hue Dimmers, and the Savant Smart Host should all be considered when upgrading your lighting.
Design Considerations
When deciding on the best lighting, consider the existing design of the space and how you want lighting to complement it. For example, many homeowners choose accent fixtures in rooms requiring additional lighting which may include wall sconces, pendant lights, and track lighting. The key is to mix up the lighting types, levels, and tones to create a nice ambiance and to reduce glare from high ceilings.
Along with design, if the home is older, keep in mind that older electrical wires may not be compatible with modern LED bulbs. To ensure compatibility, properly fuse new light fixtures and check for installation guidelines specific to the LED lights that you choose.
Additional Advice
When installing LED lighting, keep in mind that LED bulbs only provide light in a specific direction and at a fixed illumination level. As a result, you may need to use more bulbs in larger spaces in order to achieve the desired illumination level.
Also, when making the switch to LED, safety is key. Electrical work should always be done by a qualified electrician who will ensure the correct installation of LED lighting and proper disposal of hazardous materials.
Finally, be sure to source products that are environmentally safe, energy efficient, and come with a valid quality assurance guarantee.
The End Result
With careful consideration and planning, updating your lighting system can significantly increase the value of your home. In fact, according to a survey of real estate agents, over 80% of buyers highly prized low energy consumption and smart home features. Added benefits include:
- A lower carbon footprint
- Energy efficiency
- Convenience
- Security and safety
- Cost savings
Conclusion
Upgrading your lighting system is well worth the investment, as it offers long-term savings on energy costs and can increase the value of your property much quicker than traditional improvements. Combined with safety considerations, energy-efficient lighting is a key feature in modern home design.