News

Lutron Says Installers are Increasingly Becoming Energy Advisers (6/6/2012)

New research[1]shows that half (49 per cent) of homeowners are more concerned with energy efficiency now than they were last year. Interestingly, 87% say that they are switching lights off in unoccupied rooms now and 85% are using energy efficient lamps. “This focus on all things energy efficient has moved well and truly out of the mainstream, with high-end residential installers increasingly being seen as ‘energy advisers’ as well as integrators” says Fayaz Kermali, Residential System Sales at Lutron.

Combining both functionality and energy efficiency in ever increasing measure is the holy grail of installers at present and companies such as Lutron are highlighting this sea-change in focus. With the launch of the company’s HomeWorks QS residential solution, Lutron has brought together the control of LEDs, window treatments, AV, security and HVAC services into one highly integrated energy management system.

HomeWorks QS – unprecedented capabilities

With unprecedented capabilities, including temperature and audio/visual control and the ability to save energy, HomeWorks QS brings powerful new features to users and installers alike. This whole-home control solution includes expanded control functionality, wireless state-of-the-art technology to operate window coverings via Lutron’s latest robust, wireless Clear Connect™ Radio Frequency (RF) technology and the ability to dim high-efficacy lights sources with ultimate confidence.

To compliment the HomeWorks QS system, Lutron’s Dynamic Keypad allows users to control this new whole-home control solution with ease. The Dynamic Keypad is available in black or white also there is great flexibility in terms of design with additional custom keypads available. The new Dynamic Keypad, which features a wall-mounted touch interface, provides users with extensive control of the HomeWorks QS system by enabling them to also control HVAC and AV equipment in several rooms or through the entire home from a single location, in addition to the light levels.

Lutron control of all things LED

There is a massive push to use the latest in LED technology at present. The dynamic nature and relative youth of the LED market means there are areas of inconsistency in the quality of LED light sources and fixtures at present. Although LEDs have already become established within the toolbox of residential lighting designers and specifiers, there are still specifics that need to be addressed by lamp, fixture and control manufacturers alike if this technology is to become the next great light success story.

Compatibility is a significant factor in the overall performance of the installed scheme. One of the complexities is that there are two factors to consider – the compatibility between the LED driver and the control, but also between the driver and the lamp. Everything needs to be working together in order to maximise performance for the designer and end user. This is why it is important for whoever specifies to choose a lighting control manufacturer that provides built-in layers of compatibility. At Lutron we not only offer 0-10V control, DALI, switching and phase-adaptive dimming modules, but also Lutrons own digital protocol, EcoSystem to ensure maximum flexibility and reliability for specifiers and installers alike.

[1] Source: 6 April 2012: M&S Home Insurance

To find out more information on Lutron and its range of light control products and systems visit:

www.lutron.com