Why a Retail Lighting Control Solution May Be the Wrong Choice
Upgrade to a Professional Solution for Greater-Scope and Customization
You've likely heard of Lutron lighting control due to their retail solutions found at your local Best Buy or Home Depot in Austin. Easy to install and affordable, they're usually a go-to entry point for Texas residents who want to easily manage lights through mobile apps, handheld remotes or voice commands.
Although Lutron's solutions are undoubtedly the best retail options available, they may still not be the best fit for your family. An entry-level Lutron Caseta system comes with many limitations you may not realize. Not only are there restrictions on the number of devices you can integrate, but also on how you control them. Read this blog to find out when a professional lighting control installation may be the better choice.
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When Retail Solutions Make Sense
Designed as intro-level solutions, Lutron only offers its Caseta wireless system at retail locations. You get access to Sonos speakers, Serena shades and Nest thermostats within your Lutron environment. Enjoy control from the Lutron app, a small Pico remote or Amazon Alexa.
Easy to install within 15 minutes—without the need for extensive wiring or new bulbs—Caseta lets you control up to 50 devices within a 2,500 square foot space. Often, this means that this entry-level solution is ideal for standalone one-room installations or small condos.
When to Bring in a Professional
To integrate smart lighting into your entire property, we recommend going with whole-home lighting control solutions like Radio Ra 2 and HomeWorks QS. The scope is usually the number one reason to upgrade, since Radio RA 2 allows for up to 250 devices and HomeWorks QS 10,000.
Since these systems are much more complex, they require a professional installation. Not only will we help you choose the one that makes the most sense, we’ll also take care of all the necessary infrastructure and programming. We’ll also advise you on what to include in each room, depending on your lifestyle and décor.
Radio Ra 2 vs. HomeWorks QS
Typically used as a retrofit solution, Radio RA 2 is a wireless lighting system that lets you include stylish keypads and shades. For keypads, go with GRAFIK-T, see-Touch and traditional dimmers in a wide range of colors and finishes. While Caseta only lets you use roller shades, with Radio RA 2, you get access to drapes, blinds, and roman shades.
This solution includes a Keypad Builder that lets you program new scenes for your on-wall keypads, a HomeGlance feature with access to your favorite scenes, and geo-fencing. The latter automatically activate scenes based on your location. When your lighting control notices you’re back home, it can enable a welcome scene that turns on lights, opens the shades and lowers the thermostat.
Want to get even more from your lighting control? Then we recommend Lutron’s premier HomeWorks QS solution. It offers greater reliability since it's a hardwired solution, and has even more customization options. Integrate the luxurious Signature Series and Palladiom keypads with bronze and nickel finishes. Perhaps the most significant perk of HomeWorks QS is the addition of high-end Ivalo and Ketra fixtures.
Ketra’s tunable fixtures recreate natural light within your home to regulate your circadian rhythm. This will result in better mental and physical wellbeing. The ability to adjust the fixtures’ hues is also vital when creating the ideal lighting design for your home.
Do you want to upgrade from a retail solution to a professional custom-designed one? We'll help you build the perfect system for your space with the features that matter most to you. You can speak with one of our lighting experts by calling us at 512.997.9001 or filling out our online contact form.