Do Smart Lights Save You Money?

Written by Ben Schafer on November 3, 2025 in Energy Efficiency

For many homeowners, lighting makes up a surprising portion of monthly energy costs. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that it accounts for about 15% of the average home’s electricity use.¹ With so much energy tied to lighting, it’s natural to wonder if there’s a more efficient way to illuminate your home.

The good news? There is! Smart lighting is a simple way to save money on electricity while making your home more comfortable and convenient. But is a smart lighting system actually worth the investment?

In this blog, we explain what smart lighting is and explore the specific ways it can save you money, so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your home.

Jump Ahead:

What is smart home lighting?
How smart lighting saves you money
Get residential electrician services

What Is Smart Home Lighting?

A homeowner adjusting their smart lamp using an app on their phone

Smart lighting is the modern way to illuminate your home. Powered by built-in wireless technology, it allows you to remotely control light fixtures using an app, smart speaker, or home automation hub.

Most smart lights are LED, and many come with features like dimming, motion detection, timers, color changes, and more. This allows you to conveniently customize your lighting to fit your lifestyle and control how much energy you’re using.

But how exactly can this help you save money? Let’s take a closer look.

6 Ways Smart Lighting Saves You Money

A young woman sits in an armchair, looking at a tablet, illuminated by pink smart lights

Smart lighting helps trim down energy waste, reduce your electricity bill, and extend the lifespan of your bulbs. Below are some of the biggest way homeowners can see real savings.

1. LED Light Bulbs Conserve Energy

One of the main points of smart lighting is to save energy, which is why most systems use LED bulbs instead of traditional halogen or incandescent options. These are the most energy-efficient light bulbs available, using up to 90% less energy.¹

Just switching to LED light bulbs alone can save the average household about $225 or more in electricity costs.² This isn’t even factoring in the extra savings attributed to smart lighting features and automations.

2. Remote Access Control

How many times have you realized you left the lights on while away from home? We’ve all been there, but every hour your lights are on while no one is using them is dollars down the drain.

Smart lighting solves this problem. With remote access through an app, you can check which lights are on and turn them off anywhere. This can help you stay on top of electricity usage and save energy—and money.

3. Geofencing Technology

A geofence is a virtual boundary set around a real-world area. Many smart lights use geofencing technology to detect when you come home or leave, based on when your mobile device enters or exits the area.

This means you never have to worry about forgetting to turn the lights off again. As you walk out, they’ll automatically shut off on their own and turn back on as soon as you get home. Geofencing ensures you’re only using your lights when they’re needed and helps reduce energy waste.

4. Automated Scheduling and Timers

Smart lighting also allows you to set timers and schedules. For example, you can program them to automatically turn off at bedtime so nothing gets left on accidentally. This “set it and forget it” feature ensures your lights are only used when needed, saving you money while giving you one less thing to worry about.

5. Motion and Occupancy Sensors

Some smart lighting systems use motion and occupancy sensors to activate on their own. The lights will turn on automatically when you enter a space, stay on while you’re present, and switch off after you leave. This helps eliminate wasted energy in spaces like bathrooms, closets, or hallways where lights often get left on.

6. Longer Light Bulb Lifespan

Many smart lighting systems use LED light bulbs, which last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.¹ In fact, the average lifespan of an LED light bulb is about 25,000 hours, or 27.2 years.³ The initial investment of LED bulb pays for itself in less than a year.

For homeowners, this means fewer replacements and less maintenance costs, making smart lighting a cost-effective investment over time.

Contact the North Bay’s Smart Lighting Experts

So, do smart lights save you money? The answer is yes! Through intelligent and automated features, smart lighting helps reduce energy waste, lower energy bills, and make every day more convenient. If you’re looking to cut costs and make your home more efficient, it’s a practical investment that pays for itself over time.

At Schafer Electric, our licensed residential electricians have years of experience helping North Bay homeowners enjoy the benefits of efficient lighting solutions. Our friendly professionals can help you choose and install the best smart lights for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Browse Our Services