Congress has discussed banning incandescent light bulbs by 2014. While the discussion is focused on incandescent reflector lamps, it is still spurring many manufacturers and customers to switch to the newest and most energy-efficient lighting technologies. From LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, to the newest in lighting controls, options abound for a homeowner’s indoor and outdoor lighting needs.
Dan McCord of Colorado Concept Lighting knows that affordability is a customer’s biggest concern when switching to new technology.
“Technology is changing so quickly that it is difficult to budget for the newest in green products,” said McCord. “The newest technology, such as LED, is by far the most sought after, but it is usually the first to be crossed off the wish list.”
McCord added that while some eco-conscious products may be pricey, the product’s life span is far longer than the traditional incandescent bulb. Jeff Leese of Foothills Lighting & Supply agrees.
“LED is really expensive right now, but as with all things, the price will come down eventually,” Leese said. “For the time being, compact fluorescent (CFL) is a good way to go. It is a stop-over on the way to LED.”
Most homeowners are still drawn to incandescent lighting, some because it is aesthetically pleasing and others because of the warmth it creates. Leese tries to show his customers alternatives to incandescent lighting and the benefits these options can bring to a home.
“My recommendation for new lighting projects at this point would be Xenon,” Leese said. “This option is the closest in color and warmth to that of regular incandescent lighting, a personal favorite of homeowners. It is also less expensive than LED.”
Leese believes that LED lighting is good for commercial properties, but it has yet to become commonplace in homes. “LED is great for retail stores. Engineers have created strips of LED lights for underneath cabinets and shelves that are about an eighth of an inch thick,” Leese said. “This makes them virtually invisible. The only problem for using this option in a home is that the light is still not as warm as incandescent lighting.”
McCord recommends using LED for landscape lighting around the home. “To replicate the light of the moon, you don’t need much,” McCord said. “LED is a good quality lighting solution for a good value.”
While LED technology is expensive, McCord argues that it is worth the money. LED lighting has up to 50,000 hours of life and produces more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. LED is also a good choice for frequent on-off cycles, such as outdoor timed lighting.
Leese has a different suggestion for those homeowners looking for a cheaper outdoor alternative – compact fluorescent. One downside to CFLs is that without proper installation the bulbs may not light in cold weather.
“With this type of bulb, it is best to create a microenvironment by using a translucent lighting fixture,” Leese explains. “This will allow heat from the bulb to circulate within the fixture, making it easier for the bulb to light in very cold weather.”
In addition to being energy efficient, the CFLs can also be used in many styles of fixtures. Fluorescent lighting doesn’t have to look fluorescent if it’s enclosed in an amber-colored glass fixture.
However, using CFLs for indoor lighting is not always the best choice, McCord points out.
“People don’t realize that fluorescent lights emit UV rays,” McCord said. “They put fluorescent lighting in their closets and wonder why their clothes have faded. This is a case where incandescent, Xenon or LED lighting would be a better choice.”
Manufacturers are picking up on the “green” trend, pouring money into research and development to find solutions that are energy efficient and still eye-catching. Another energy-efficient route to consider is lighting controls, such as dimmers and light outputs.
“Homeowners want to be green and they want to save on their energy bills,” McCord said. “With lighting controls, homeowners can regulate the output of light so slightly that the naked eye can’t even tell the difference. The only difference they’ll see is a drop in their energy bill.”
Numerous options should be considered when beginning a lighting project, but the most important aspect is to choose an option that fits your needs and lifestyle. “Lighting should always accommodate you – not the other way around. It should show off your home,” Leese explains.
Emily Jack is a Longmont-based freelance writer.
Photo by Ron Ruscio for Colorado Concept Lighting
