The lighting that you choose to use in your home impacts ambiance, efficiency, and safety. Reading through some fun facts about lighting may impact how you choose to light your residence.
Light Brightness Measurements
When you’re shopping for lightbulbs, you’ve likely looked at the wattage rating for different products. What many homeowners don’t realize is that wattage isn’t a reflection of how bright a bulb is. Rather, lumens measure brightness. Wattage measures the amount of energy that a product uses.
If you’re shopping for a bulb that will achieve a specific level of brightness in your home, consider the lumens rating. Think about wattage if the long-term cost of a product is your concern.
Using LED Lights for Energy Savings
The most affordable and efficient lighting option on the market right now is LED lights. You can purchase LED bulbs that install into your existing fixtures. There are also LED fixtures that have lights built right into them. In comparison to incandescent bulbs, LED varieties use as much as 90% less energy. This lowers your monthly utility bills and reduces your carbon footprint. Also, LED bulbs have a longer lifespan. You’ll replace them less frequently than incandescent ones.
Understanding How Light Impacts Mood
The Kelvin scale measures the color temperature and warmth of lighting. If you’re looking to achieve a very cozy environment that promotes relaxation, look for lighting that has a Kelvin rating between 2700K and 3000K. For more balance and a natural indoor environment, a rating that is between 3500K and 4100K is neutral and ideal. Home office environments, kitchens, and other areas where you complete intricate tasks benefit from bright white and energizing lights. Choose bulbs that have a rating of 5000K or higher.
Your Overall Electricity Use
Residential lighting uses approximately 81 billion kWh of electricity per year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In total, this is about 6% if the amount of energy a home uses. Some homeowners expect this number to be higher, especially if they have a lot of lighting fixtures, lamps, and task lighting throughout their residences.
Layering Lighting Is an Option
Don’t feel like you must choose one type of bulb or fixture and have it meet all your lighting needs. You can layer lighting to create the type of atmosphere you want. For example, overhead lights can illuminate most of a room. If you need additional light in a specific area of that room for reading or activities, a standalone lamp or task light can also be available. Improving the visibility of an area creates a safe, comfortable, and productive environment. If you live in Holyoke, MA or a surrounding area and need lighting services, make your first call to Duryea.
