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LIGHT BULBS |
Incandescent
In incandescent light bulbs an electrical current passes through
a thin filament and heats it until it produces light. A glass bulb
encloses the filament to prevent oxygen in the air from reaching
it and destroying it. These bulbs come in an array of sizes and
voltages from 1.5 volts to about 300 volts, are inexpensive, and
work with either alternating current or direct current. For all
of these reasons, incandescent bulbs are the most widely used in
both residential and commercial applications. However, their use
is being called into question as consumers seek eco-friendly appliances
for their homes because other types of bulbs generate little to
no heat and generate the same amount of light using less electricity.
Halogen
A halogen is an incandescent light bulb in which a tungsten filament is sealed
into a small clear envelope filled with a halogen gas, such as iodine or bromine.
These halogen lights can use their filament at a higher temperature than they
would in a standard bulb or inert-gas filled bulb. This means halogens are about
10-20% more efficient than traditional incandescent lamps. Halogens’ bright
yellow light is also closer to daylight than that of traditional incandescent
bulbs.
Compact
Fluorescent Energy Saving Bulbs
As we’ve said many times on this website, the kitchen is truly the hearth
of the home and lighting it adequately can make or break the kitchen remodeling
design you’ve dreamed about. Task lighting under counters and over sinks
is essential so that you can see clearly while cleaning and chopping veggies
and since they come in high and low wattage varieties you can choose which level
of light you need. Wall sconces add wonderful general light without adding too
much glare or creating dark shadow lines. A pendant light over a breakfast bar
or nook can add a wonderful artistic flare while gently lighting a dining area.
A ceiling fan/light combination is also a great choice for kitchens—it
will help keep the room cool during cooking and dissipate odors. And dimmer switches
added to sconces and recessed lighting will help you create the perfect mood
for both an intimate dinner for two and a boisterous family meal.
Fluorescent
Bulbs
efore you begin discussions with your MyHome consultant about how to design the
perfect living room lighting system, take a few minutes to evaluate the type
of activities that will occur there. You’ll certainly need some general
lighting for parties and television watching. You’ll need task lighting
for reading and accent lighting to highlight artwork or special architectural
features. Table and floor lamps offer wonderful reading lights and since shades
can be matched in color and pattern to your living room’s décor
they’re a great way to expand your palette. Also consider using dimmer
switches in living room lighting to create mood depending on how the room is
being used at any given moment.
High
Intensity Discharge Bulbs (HID)
Bedroom lighting should be the perfect blend between task and ambient lighting.
Table lamps on bedside table provide illumination for night time reading while
overhead lighting and wall sconces set to dimmer switches provide warm glowing
light perfect for winding down after a hard day’s work. Add cove or rope
lighting around the room’s molding and accent lighting to highlight artwork
for the perfect finishing touches.
Led Bulbs
Light-Emitting Diode (or LED) bulbs last one hundred times longer than incandescent
bulbs, are more durable, energy efficient, and cool to the touch. While initially
more expensive, LEDs use only 1/30th the energy of incandescent and 1/3 the energy
of compact fluorescents. They also last up to 60,000 hours (approximately 12
hours of light a day for 12 years).
Click
here for a more extensive description of this amazing technology.
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