Lighting choices have evolved beyond the flip of a switch. As the host of lighting solutions intertwines with our daily lives, the choices between smart and traditional lighting illuminates' multiple benefits and trade-offs. Lighting solutions are not just about lighting up the spaces anymore, they set the mood, impacts energy efficiency, and influences our daily lives.
Smart lighting solutions ushered in a new era with the technological advancements, and yet traditional lighting with its long-standing presence has been the cornerstone for reliable & familiar lighting systems for years. Here, we've laid out compelling reasons for you to explore strengths of smart lighting solutions over traditional lighting and the impact these can have on our daily lives.
Controls on fingertips
Traditional lighting systems work independently with the physical switches or outlets. Smart lighting solutions instead allow you to do a lot more than program the lights on or off. The choices available today integrate seamlessly into smart home systems, controllable remotely via smartphones, tablets, voice assistants and more. It's handy when you must check remotely if your kids leave lights on again this time & turn it off.
Setting the scene
Traditional Lighting: These are limited in features, typically offering the on and off functionality, requiring factory level or manual adjustments for brightness and color changes.
Smart Lighting: These products offer a wide range of features like color changing, dynamic scene settings, geofencing and integration with applications that support color themes based on music, routines and more. Think about a morning routine where the lights gradually brighten to simulate sunrise.
Redefined Experience
Traditional lighting: Traditional lighting systems stay true to their colors, not ever changing since they were first put in place. The lights lack integration with smart homes systems, limiting the overall adaptability and convenience.
Smart lighting: These products integrate with smart home systems & the internet via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a hub/bridge that often comes with the box. Experience gets redefined with the capabilities to do much more than just syncing lighting with motion sensors or setting up scenes that change lighting based on specific activities (movie night, reading, etc.)
Pocket-Friendly choice
Traditional lighting: The upfront cost is lower generally for the traditional lighting solutions, and yet overtime, with higher energy consumption and frequent replacements the overall cost tends to stay higher than the advanced options available today.
Smart lighting: Initial setting up costs are higher due to the technology involved, including the price of the smart lighting solution, the hub (if required) and the installation. Smart lighting, with its additional features and technology, comes with a slightly higher price tag, approximately $30 more for lights of the same size.
Eco-conscious choice
Traditional lighting: Traditional lighting systems like incandescent or halogen are less efficient when it comes down the energy efficiency and have shorter life spans compared to the new age LED lighting solutions.
Smart lighting: A host of LED based smart lighting solutions available are known for their energy efficiency and longer lifespans. Additional features like dimming and scheduling contribute to the energy savings. For example, automatically dimming or turn-off light in an already illuminated room.
Colour Temperature
Traditional Lighting : When it comes to color temperature, normal lighting typically offers a limited range of options, often confined to single, double, or triple color choices, commonly found in the temperature spectrum of 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K.
In contrast, smart lighting takes customization to a new level. Smart lighting systems allow users to fine-tune the colour temperature according to their preferences, offering an extensive range from a warm 2700K to a cool 6000K. Additionally, smart lighting systems often come with a dimming feature, enabling users to adjust the intensity of the light from 0% to 100%, adding another layer of control and personalisation to the lighting experience.
Colour Rendering Capabilities
Traditional lighting systems typically offer varying color accuracy, with a fluctuating Color Rendering Index (CRI).
Smart lighting excels with a consistently high CRI, ensuring more accurate and vibrant colour representation. The advanced colour rendering of smart lighting, often exceeding 90 CRI, makes it a superior choice for applications where precise colour recognition is essential, such as art studios or retail spaces, compared to the more variable colour rendering of normal lighting.
Relevance of Smart Lighting in the Singaporean Lifestyle
Now that we've established the distinctions between normal and smart lighting, let's delve into why smart lighting is particularly relevant to the Singaporean lifestyle.
Efficient Use of Limited Space: Singapore is known for its compact living spaces. Smart lighting's ability to maximize space and create versatile environments is invaluable. With the touch of a button or a simple voice command, residents can transform their living spaces to suit different activities without cluttering the room with multiple lighting fixtures.
Climate Sensitivity: Singapore's tropical climate often calls for adaptive lighting solutions. Smart lighting's colour temperature adjustment allows users to create cooler, more refreshing environments during the day and warmer, cozier atmospheres at night, complementing the natural light variations throughout the day.
Energy Conservation: Given Singapore's commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness, the energy-efficient nature of smart lighting aligns with the nation's goals. Smart lighting's automation features ensure lights are only active when necessary, contributing to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Integration with Smart City Initiatives: Singapore is at the forefront of smart city initiatives, leveraging technology to enhance urban living. Smart lighting aligns with this vision, offering a decentralised approach to city lighting where individual lights can be controlled and monitored for optimal efficiency and safety.
Security Enhancement: Smart lighting contributes to home security by allowing users to create the illusion of presence even when they're away. Through remote control and scheduling, residents can simulate occupancy, deterring potential intruders.
Quick recap of Difference between Normal Lighting and Smart Lighting
Features | Normal Lighting | Smart Lighting |
---|---|---|
Illumination | Static brightness and color | Dynamic brightness and color adjustment |
Control | Manual switches and dimmers | Remote control, smartphone apps, voice commands |
Automation | Limited to basic timers | Advanced scheduling, motion sensors, automation |
Energy Efficiency | Varied (incandescent less efficient) | Generally more energy-efficient, especially LEDs |
Customization | Limited customization options | Extensive customization of color, intensity, scenes |
Integration | Independent systems | Seamless integration with smart home ecosystems |
Lifespan | Varies (shorter for incandescent) | Generally longer lifespan, especially LED bulbs |
Environmental Impact | May contribute to higher energy use | Generally more environmentally friendly |
Cost | Initial cost may be lower | Higher initial cost, potential long-term savings |
Security | Static lighting patterns | Simulated occupancy, enhancing home security |
Adaptability | Limited adaptability to activities | Adaptable to different moods and activities |
Climate Sensitivity | Limited colour temperature options | Adjustable colour temperature for climate harmony |
In a world where the lights meet the technology, the intelligence of smart lighting solutions seems to be taking over the timeless appeal of traditional lighting solutions.