Gone are the days of the 100-watt lightbulb. Schloegel Design Remodel Designer Donna Kirsopp shows you how to get great lighting, comply with federal laws and save energy while you’re at it.
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The lighting world was a little chaotic after federal laws eliminated the manufacturing of light bulbs over 40-watts a few years ago, Schloegel Designer Donna Kirsopp said. Manufactures came out with LED and florescent bulbs that were all over the color spectrum and simply couldn’t deliver the same warm lighting that candescent bulbs offered.
Luckily, though, Donna said that all changed in the last couple years. LED light bulb manufacturers starting paying more attention to color temperature, measured in Kelvins. When you’re installing LED lights in your home, Donna advised that you look for lights that are at 3000 Kelvin, which is the closest you can get to an incandescent bulb.
LED lights are available at 3000 Kelvin in basically every variety now, from under-counter lighting, to detail lighting, to ceiling can lighting. Donna said that using the same color temperature throughout a space allows you to create a beautifully lit room that may actually save you some money.
Going forward, be on the lookout for lighting advancements coming in the next years, as more states will likely enact stricter energy-use laws. California, for example, recently passed a bill that will require decreased wattage of lighting per room. That doesn’t have to be bad news, though, Donna said. Because of these laws, energy-saving occupancy sensors and dimmers are more available to home-owners than ever before.
Do you have a question about lighting? Contact us today to speak to a Schloegel expert!