When it comes to the aesthetics of your home, you want everything to look perfect. You might be tempted to upgrade the lighting in your home, but is that the right decision? Learning the basics of lighting and when to make the change can help save you time and money in the long run.
The Basics of Lighting
When upgrading your home's lighting, the options are plentiful and can be customized to fit any budget. Whether you want to add more ambient light or focus on a specific area, there are many ways to add efficient lighting without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Lighting is one of the first things people notice when they walk into a room. Make sure to choose fixtures complimenting your décor and create a welcoming atmosphere.
- When choosing lamps and light fixtures, think about their purpose in your home. For instance, if you have a children's room, choose lamps with soft light that won't disturb their sleep.
- Consider how much light you need for different activities in your home. For example, if you spend most of your time in the living room, you might only need an average amount of light, while someone who spends most of their time in the bedroom will require more focused light for reading or studying.
- If you have a wide variety of plants and flowers in your home, consider their lighting needs. Some plants need more sunlight, while others need less.
Use the proper type of wire and electrical connectors. Incorrect wiring can cause lights to flicker or not work at all.
When to Upgrade Your Lighting
The right time to upgrade the lighting in your home depends on a few factors, including the type of light you are using and how old your fixtures are.
If you use incandescent light bulbs (traditional lightbulbs that produce heat), it's time to switch to LEDs (light-emitting diodes). LED bulbs last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs, consume significantly less energy, and emit no heat.
If you have older fixtures with fluorescents (lightbulbs that use gas or oil), keeping them as long as they work is generally okay. You replace them when they start to give off a yellow color or develop a flickering or humming sound.
You may also want to upgrade your fluorescent bulbs if they produce less than 100 lumens per watt. This indicates that they produce less light and may need to be replaced soon. Suppose you admire the appearance of older lighting fixtures. In that case, several modern form lighting options can help you keep the stylish modern look while upgrading your space to be more efficient.
For most homes, upgrading to LEDs or fluorescent bulbs is the best option for saving energy and reducing environmental impact. Several LEDs are available in light-efficient designs to add a stylish and efficient touch to your space.
Finally, if you have old compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in your home, you may want to consider changing them soon. These lightbulbs have long caused people to ask, "Are light bulbs toxic?" Even though CFLs are commonly chosen to save money on your energy bill, they are known to contain small amounts of mercury, which can be hazardous to your health if inhaled or digested.
Lighting is among the essential elements when making your home feel like your own. When done correctly, lighting can add a touch of warmth and personality to any space while also helping you improve your productivity. However, even the best lights can lose their appeal over time if they are not regularly updated.
That's why it is crucial to consider upgrading your lighting system every couple of years — not only will this lead to significant savings in the long run, but it will also give your home that much-needed boost. If you are interested in requesting the help of a professional, feel free to contact our professional electricians at Mr. Electric to schedule a visit.
