Choosing the right lighting for your home
Choosing the right lighting in your home, with higher energy prices constantly on the rise, we are all becoming more aware of the ways we can save energy in our homes. One of the most cost-effective ways to save energy and money is lighting, as it can have a huge effect on our mood and the way we relax. Eyes and headaches are a known cause of poor lighting, so choosing the right lighting for your home is so important. The right lighting can make all the difference in how your home will look and feel, can dramatically alter the look and feel of your home, and can transform a dull living space into a relaxing and stunning masterpiece.
incandescent light bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are now becoming a thing of the past, this is particularly the case in the UK where these types of bulbs are being phased out altogether. Incandescent bulbs are not very efficient, since about 95 percent of the energy consumed is wasted as heat, and they have an average lifespan of 750 to 2,500 hours.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
Although there are some negative comments about CFLs, they are an improvement over outdated incandescent bulbs and give off the same quality of light. CFLs have a K number listed on the packaging, the higher the K or Kelvin number, the brighter the light. These types of bulbs are four times more efficient than incandescent bulbs, last approximately 10 times longer (10,000 hours) and consume up to 80% less energy.
What to look for when shopping for light bulbs.
Kelvin (K) Scale
Number of lumens (lm) produced by common incandescent light bulbs
150 watts = 2600 lumens
100 watts = 1600 lumens
74 watts = 1100 lumens
60 watts = 800 lumens
40 watts = 450 lumens
warm white, soft white
The standard color for incandescent bulbs.
2700k – 3000k
cool white, bright, neutral
Good for kitchens and work spaces.
3500k – 4100k
Natural or Daylight
Good for living rooms and lamps.
5000k – 6500k
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulbs
Light Emitting Diodes consist of an array of (LED’s) to emit light, although they may cost a bit more, the cost is balanced by the longer lifespan and higher energy efficiency. Light-emitting diodes can last up to 10 times longer than compact fluorescents, averaging 25,000 to 60,000 hours or more.
halogen bulbs
Compared to light emitting diodes or compact fluorescents, halogen light bulbs are not as efficient, although there is an improvement over the standard incandescent light bulb. Halogen bulbs have a lifespan of approximately 2,000 hours and are 50% more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Most of the energy saving light bulbs available cannot be dimmed with a standard household dimmer. However, since 2007, new dimmer-enabled bulbs have become available and can be dimmed with a standard dimmer switch. Please check to make sure you are purchasing the correct item before using an energy saving light bulb with a dimmer switch.
