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How The Lutron RadioRA 2 System adds Safety and Saves Energy

Posted by Jimm Reifsnyder

Jun 18, 2012 7:25:00 AM

Lutron RadioRA iPad app

The following guest blog was written by a Western Energy Control Solution Partner Josh Christian of DSI Entertainment in Southern California after installing the RadioRA2 system into his own home.

This is Part 2 of an article highlighting why I love my new Lutron RadioRA 2 system. If you haven't read the first article, click on the following link to learn it's Ease of Installation, the added Convenience, and it's Aesthetic Benefits: Why I Love My Lutron RadioRA 2 System. This post will highlight two other benefits, the Safety and Energy Savings the RadioRA 2 system is providing.

Safety

The motion sensors I mentioned in Part 1 automatically turn on our 'Pathway' lighting scene at night, and another motion sensor turns on one of the Master Bathroom lights On to only 7% brightness, just perfect for middle of the night "pit stops". After 5 minutes of inactivity, the motion sensor turn off the lights automatically. No bumping into things in the middle of the night.

An 'Away' button makes our house look occupied while we are out of town. For the 'Away' scene, I selected several lighting circuits throughout the home and have them turn On and Off within certain timeframes; and the trick to make the house really look occupied is that the RadioRA 2 system randomizes the On/Off times by up to 30 minutes. This is MUCH more effective than using basic wall timers that we used before.

If we hear a strange sound at night, one of the keypad buttons in our bedroom turns our exterior lights On, and turns Off any interior lights. If there is anyone outside, we can see the perp, but not vice-versa.

Next, I'm going to integrate it with our security system. When we do so, when the alarm is triggered, we can have certain lights turn on automatically, and even flash all of the exterior lights On and Off repeatedly to call attention to the house.

Energy Savings

Lutron energy savings HVACThe RadioRA system is built around dimmers, and by default I have most of my lights turn On to 90% brightness instead of 100%. The difference in brightness is hardly noticeable, but my light bulbs will last nearly twice as long and I'm saving energy at the same time. Most of my lighting 'scenes' have lights come On to even dimmer lighting levels, some at only 50% brightness, which not only adds to the mood ambiance, but saves energy.

The wireless thermostat offers all of the energy-savings of any modern digital thermostat (separate temp set points for Morning, Day, Evening, Night), plus the 'Away' button I use for when we're on vacation sets the HVAC system in standby mode...only coming on to heat or cool in extreme temperatures (Woodland Hills, California can get HOT!). Since the system is connected to our phones with the iOS and Android apps, we can turn on the HVAC before we get home from vacation.

The last post mentioned I installed motorized shades in the bedrooms. They have a rated 'R Value' for their insulation properties. The sheer shade has an R value of .7, the but the room-darkening 'blackout' shade has an R value of 4.3. This helps keep the bedrooms from getting overly warm when we're not using them. Every little bit of energy savings helps, and HVAC energy costs are amongst the highest in the typical home.

The end result:

Can you tell I like the RadioRA system yet?? I love it! It has made our home more convenient, safer, energy-efficient, and elegant at the same time. It is easy to retrofit in any existing home. If you live in Southern California and would like to have a RadioRA system designed for you, give us a call at 866-692-8489. We have offices in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Newport Beach.

For new construction and larger homes, you'll be better served by Lutron's HomeWorks system. View our upcoming training classes on Lutron products to help you better understand the ins and outs of each system. Our classes are 100% FREE, register today!

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Topics: lutron, Lighting Control, lighting systems, Radio Ra 2

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