Let’s Focus on Energy Efficient Lighting

Did you know that simply lighting your home can take up as much as 25% of your power bill? You may have noticed that it’s hard, if not impossible, to buy a “plain old light bulb” these days. That’s because they’re no longer being manufactured due to the government’s new (as of 2012) energy efficiency standards. Old bulbs were extremely inefficient, giving off 90% more heat than light – a poor way to light a room. But with all of the new-fangled – and seemingly expensive – choices out there, how does one decide? Here are some things to think about as you decide what kind of energy efficient lighting you’d like in your home.

Halogen
Halogen incandescent lights have a capsule inside which holds gas around a filament. This increases the bulb’s light output. Halogen lights are available in many shapes and colors, and can be used with dimmers. These bulbs meet the federal minimum energy efficiency standard, but they’re not you’re only choice. There are much more economical and versatile choices available.

CFL (Compact Florescent Light)
Just like it sounds, these are florescent lights like the ones you might have in your garage that molded into shapes convenient for use in regular outlets. CFL lights are much more efficient than traditional incandescent lights, so the power you save by using them can add up. You’ll save the cost of the bulb itself in just nine months. An Energy Star rated CFL used ¼ the energy and lasts about 10 times longer. In addition a CFL only uses about 1/3 the energy that a halogen light does.

The downside to CFL lights is that not all of them are dimmer friendly. They also have a small amount of mercury inside, so they can’t just be tossed in the trash. Like batteries, they require special handling when their lifetime is over. Some retailers recycle these bulbs, or you can check with your waste company to see how they prefer you dispose of CFL bulbs.

LED lighting
LED or light emitting diodes are solid state lighting. Inside the housing are semiconductors that convert electricity into light. At first these were mainly used for industrial applications like traffic lights. Today, they’re one of the most energy efficient lighting choices. LED is also one of the most rapidly developing technologies.

ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use only 20%-25% of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they replace. LEDs use 25%-30% of the energy and last 8 to 25 times longer than halogen incandescent bulbs.

LED bulbs have been manufactured to easily replace the typical 40, 60 and 75 watt bulbs. Since LED “light bulbs” are a new and developing trend they’re more expensive for now. That said, they will still save you money because they last a long time and have very low energy use. As with other electronics, prices are expected to come down as more products enter the market.

We like LED lighting because despite the fact that it’s new technology, it’s surprisingly easy to install an LED fixture and these fixtures put out more light than you’d expect.

Is it time to replace those old light fixtures with a new, trendy LED light? Maybe you’d like to add a dimmer to that light in the dining room. Or maybe you just need some general help around the house as you get ready for spring. No matter what your “honey do list” needs are, give us a call. We’re here to help. Read on for our March special.

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5 Hot Trends for Your Bathroom

In 2015, trends that acknowledge a busy lifestyle with a focus on green technology are going strong. In this issue, we’re highlighting five of the most popular bathroom updates for 2015.

 No Tub or Stand-Alone Tub?
Today many households are getting rid of the bathtub altogether. Why? Because showering uses significantly less water and many people just don’t feel like they have time to lounge around for hours in the bathtub. Instead, bathtubs are being replaced by luxurious walk in showers. “Doorless” or “No-threshold” showers give the bathroom a large open feel and are well suited for those who might find stepping up and over the side of the bathtub challenging. In addition, a significant portion of your bathroom remodeling cost is the price of the bathtub, so going tub-less could also save you money 

For those who can’t live without a bathtub, the trend is the stand alone tub.Think of it as turning the bathtub into apiece of artwork for your bathroom. Stand alone tubs are bold, beautiful and very, very trendy.  

Fancy faucets

Most of us have been to a hotel or public restroom with hands free technology. Now this super sanitary feature is affordable for everyone. Hands free faucets and toilets have become the latest thing in the home too.

Low Flow Toilets
Dual and low flow toilets are in demand in 2015. When these toilets first came out they got a bad reputation. This led to consumers going to garage sales and second hand shops looking for traditional toilets, because flushing two or more times was both yucky and a waste of water. Today, they combine water savings with ample flushing power. These higher performing toilets can do the job they’re meant to and look stylish too. Installing a low flow toilet can save $100 per year on your water bill. A good deal when they work like they’re supposed to!

Heated Floors
There’s nothing worse than stepping into your bathroom in the middle of the night and having your just out of bed tootsies hit the cold floor. It almost makes your house feel colder than it is. Trending in 2015 is heated or radiant heat flooring. This nifty feature will make you feel like your bathroom is in a 5 star hotel and might just help lower your power bill – if you decide to lower your thermostat a few degrees.

LED Lighting
Not just in the bathroom, LED is the hottest technology in lighting. LED lights are just as bright as traditional light bulbs and last for decades. These come in as many styles as you can imagine and range from soft yellow to bright white, depending on your needs. Imagine never having to change a light bulb again. This is particularly brilliant (pardon the pun) if your ceilings are high, because once installed, you don’t have to worry about the light burning out for 30 years.

If all these trends are causing you to want to change your traditional bathroom, or any other room, give us a call. We’re here to keep you from having to do it yourself!  Please read on for our February Special. 

 

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