Let’s be honest, energy bills in Sacramento have been creeping up year after year. Between the long, hot summers and shorter winter days, your lights get a real workout. But what if a simple lighting upgrade could help you save on electricity and make your home safer?
At Old Town Electric, we’ve installed hundreds of smart lighting systems across Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Folsom, and Rocklin. From single-room retrofits to full-home automation setups, we’ve seen firsthand how much difference these systems can make, in comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind.
This isn’t just about gadgets. It’s about giving you better control over your home and cutting waste where it counts.
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What Smart Lighting Really Means
When most people hear “smart lighting,” they think of voice commands, “Alexa, turn off the kitchen lights.” Sure, that’s part of it. But real smart lighting goes deeper.
It’s a system that connects your lights to a network of sensors, timers, and mobile controls. You decide when, where, and how your home is lit, automatically.
Here’s what that might look like:
- Motion sensors that turn on hall lights when you walk by.
- Outdoor lights that come on at sunset and turn off at sunrise.
- Dimmed lighting schedules that match your daily routines.
- Remote control through your phone when you’re away.
At Old Town Electric, we tailor smart lighting systems to how you actually live. Every family’s rhythm is different, so no setup is exactly the same.
Sacramento Homes Are Perfect for Smart Lighting
Our Sacramento area has unique energy challenges. Hot days, early sunsets in winter, and constant outdoor activity. It’s no surprise local homeowners are turning to automation.
We see it all the time in Fair Oaks and Carmichael, older homes with dated fixtures and switches. Many of these systems weren’t built for efficiency. They waste power, especially with incandescent or halogen bulbs still hanging around.
Smart LED lighting changes that. These systems use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs. Add in motion sensors or daylight-detection settings, and you’re only using light when you need it.
For example, one Fair Oaks homeowner we worked with cut their monthly energy costs by nearly 15% after switching to smart LEDs with adaptive dimming and occupancy sensors. It’s not magic, it’s just smarter control.
How Smart Lighting Cuts Energy Costs
Here’s where the savings really happen:
- Automatic Scheduling
Lights turn off automatically when you’re not home or during daylight hours. No wasted electricity. - Motion Detection
Hallways, garages, and outdoor areas only light up when someone’s actually there. - Dimming and Zoning
You can lower brightness to match mood or time of day. Lower output = less power used. - LED Efficiency
Smart bulbs are nearly five times more efficient than old incandescents and last much longer. - Energy Monitoring
Many systems show real-time energy usage so you can track what’s costing you.
Our team at Old Town Electric often pairs these systems with SMUD’s (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) rebate programs to help homeowners save even more. Some upgrades qualify for incentives, it’s worth checking before installation.
Boosting Home Security with Smart Lighting
Energy savings are great, but let’s talk about something equally important: safety.
We’ve seen too many Sacramento homeowners rely on a single porch light as their “security system.” That’s not enough. A smart lighting system makes your home look lived in, even when you’re miles away.
Smart Lighting Security Features
- Automated Schedules: Set random on/off patterns while you’re on vacation.
- Motion-Activated Floodlights: Perfect for side yards, garages, and back patios.
- Integration with Cameras and Alarms: Lights can trigger your cameras or alert systems instantly.
- App Control: Turn on exterior lights from anywhere if you hear something outside.
One recent example, a client in Rocklin had recurring issues with late-night trespassers near their side gate. We installed motion-activated LED floodlights tied into their Ring cameras. Problem solved. They haven’t had a single incident since.
Our Process for Installing Smart Lighting
Here’s how we typically handle smart lighting installations at Old Town Electric:
- In-Home Consultation
We walk through your home, note current fixtures, and discuss goals, energy savings, aesthetics, or security. - System Design
We recommend compatible smart bulbs, switches, and controllers that fit your budget and lifestyle. - Installation & Configuration
Our licensed electricians install and connect your system safely, making sure everything meets local codes and SMUD requirements. - Testing & Walkthrough
We test every zone with you, adjusting brightness, motion sensitivity, and schedules. - Ongoing Support
Need help reconnecting after a Wi-Fi change? We’re local, just call us.
We’ve done this in hundreds of Sacramento-area homes. Whether your house is a 1970s Fair Oaks build or a new Rocklin smart home, we’ll find the right balance of old and new tech.
What Affects Smart Lighting Costs
We get this question a lot: “What does smart lighting cost?”
It depends on your setup. But here’s a quick breakdown:
| Type of Setup | Typical Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Upgrade | $300–$800 | Smart bulbs and app setup |
| Whole-Home Retrofit | $1,500–$4,000 | Smart switches, dimmers, scheduling |
| Integrated System | $5,000+ | Full control system, sensors, outdoor lighting, automation |
Prices vary by home size, fixture type, and system complexity. But remember, you’ll start saving on your energy bills immediately, and those savings add up fast.
We also remind our clients about long-term reliability. A quality smart lighting setup can last for years with minimal maintenance.
Common Smart Lighting Myths
Let’s clear a few things up:
- “Smart bulbs use more energy.”
Not true. They use far less, especially LED versions. - “Setup is complicated.”
It’s not when done right. Our team handles everything from wiring to app configuration. - “Smart lights don’t work with old homes.”
We retrofit older Sacramento homes all the time. A little rewiring and the right switches go a long way.
Why Work With a Local Sacramento Electrician
We can’t stress this enough, hire a local electrician who knows the area.
At Old Town Electric, we understand Sacramento’s wiring quirks, SMUD rebate programs, and the local code updates that come every year. Homes in Fair Oaks, for example, often have aluminum wiring that needs extra attention during upgrades. In Folsom, newer developments may have smart hubs preinstalled but underutilized.
Working with a local team means:
- Faster response and troubleshooting.
- Familiarity with SMUD and PG&E coordination.
- Knowledge of soil and grounding conditions that affect outdoor fixtures.
- Real people you can reach after the job’s done.
When we say “local,” we mean it, our trucks are on the road in Carmichael, Rocklin, and Roseville every week.
Benefits Sacramento Homeowners Can Expect
Here’s what most of our clients notice within weeks of switching to smart lighting:
- Lower monthly utility bills.
- Better control of indoor and outdoor light levels.
- Enhanced home security and peace of mind.
- Longer-lasting bulbs and reduced maintenance.
- A modern, comfortable feel, without overhauling your home.
And for homeowners thinking long term? Smart lighting adds real value to your property. Buyers love seeing automation that’s already in place and professionally installed.
Ready to Upgrade?
If your lighting system feels outdated or you’re tired of wasting energy, smart lighting is a simple, impactful step forward. Our team at Old Town Electric has helped homeowners across Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Carmichael, Rocklin, and Roseville modernize their homes with systems that pay for themselves over time.
We’ll walk you through every option, from basic bulb replacements to complete automation setups.
If you’re ready to cut energy costs and boost your home’s security, contact Old Town Electric today. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Sacramento and nearby cities, and we’d love to help make your home smarter, safer, and more efficient.
