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with a phosphor material that converts the color of the light. The
phosphor is the yellow material you see on some LED products.
Not only were the first residential LED products expensive, the
quality of the light was disappointing. LEDs are directional light
sources, which means they emit light in a specific direction, un-
like incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, which emit light
and heat in all directions. For this reason, LED fixtures use light
and energy more efficiently in many applications; however, they
are also prone to casting a harsh “spotlight,” rather than a diffuse,
even light. Another issue was light quality, which was much cooler
than the warm incandescent bulbs we grew up with. LED products
include a Kelvin rating, which measures the light’s color tempera-
ture. In general, lighting in the 2700 to 3000 K range is pleasing
to most people; the higher the number, the “whiter” the light. For
comparison, incandescent bulbs range between 2700 and 2800 K.
LED choices have expanded rapidly, from can light and bulb
retrofits to dedicated LED fixtures that include internal drivers
that transform their higher voltage to household voltage. Although
LED light quality issues have largely been solved, you still need to be
selective. LED bulbs that have earned Energy Star certification are
subject to specific requirements designed to replicate the experience
you are used to with a standard A-type bulb, so they can be used
for a wide variety of applications. A general-purpose LED bulb that
is not certified may not distribute light in all directions and could
prove to be a disappointment if used in a table lamp.
CFLS
Not Without Issues
Compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, also produce light differently
than incandescent bulbs. In an incandescent, electric current runs
through a wire filament and heats the filament until it starts to
glow. With a CFL, an electric current is driven through a tube con-
taining argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This generates
invisible ultraviolet light, which excites the fluorescent phosphor
coating on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light.
CFLs need a little more energy when they are first turned on,
but once the electricity starts moving, CFLs use about 70 percent
less energy than incandescent bulbs. Older CFLs used large and
heavy magnetic ballasts that caused a buzzing noise in some bulbs.
Most CFLs today (and all Energy Star-certified CFLs) use electronic
ballasts, which do not buzz or hum.
CFLs used to have cost and light quality advantages over LEDs,
but both of those gaps are closing quickly. Without question, LEDs
are the lights of the future.
CONNECTED LIGHTING
Maximizing Efficiencies
Smart lighting can adjust itself to changing light conditions or
occupancy; it can also be programmed to turn on an off at certain
times. Some smart lights even “learn” occupant behavior and adjust
accordingly. Increasingly, connected lights are part of comprehen-
sive energy management systems. In many cases, these lights can
be synced to other features or devices—so long as they all speak
the same wireless “language.” One example of this is the Caséta
Wireless System, offered by Pennsylvania-based Lutron Electronics.
Through their mobile app, you can control not only your home’s
3 Lighting Control Devices 45
Every Home Needs
CREDIT: LEVITON
It should come as no surprise that
lights can use a lot of energy, especially www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015
if they are left on when not in use.
Energy-efficient bulbs are the most
obvious solution to saving energy and
money when it comes to lighting in
the home. Lighting control devices can
help to reduce energy usage and energy costs even further.
These allow homeowners to customize the amount of light
used, and can ensure that lighting is only used when needed.
Here are three solutions to consider:
Universal Dimmers
What They Do: Dimmer light switches (see above photo) can
help to reduce energy usage by decreasing lighting levels, and
thus decreasing the amount of energy used to keep lights on.
Where to Install: Universal dimmers are ideal lighting control
devices for most areas within a home, giving you the ability to
control lighting levels for any task at hand.
Occupancy Sensors
What They Do: Occupancy sensors ensure lights aren’t left
on when they’re not needed. They automatically turn the
lights on when motion is detected and turn the lights off
when the room has been vacated.
Where to Install: Occupancy sensors are perfect for entry
ways in the home, such as near a door or garage door leading
to the house, a laundry room, utility closet or anywhere where
“hands-free” lighting control is desired.
Lighting Automation Solutions
What They Do: For homeowners looking to take their
lighting control to the next level, lighting automation devices
are the ideal solution. Devices with Z-Wave radio frequency
technology, such as Leviton’s line of Vizia RF + devices, offer
one-touch control of lights; they also allow you to set lighting
“scenes” for certain times of day or events.
Where to Install: Lighting automation solutions are ideal
for living rooms, TV rooms or rooms with lots of windows.
Lighting levels can be adjusted according to time of day and
the availability of natural light.
Source: Leviton
lighting, but also the position of shades and thermostat settings,
creating “scenes”—coordinated actions among various wireless
devices—for specific events.
Wireless lighting saves the hassle of having to break through
drywall to wire new outlets and switches. If you’re converting to
LED lamps or fixtures anyway, this might be a good time to add
wireless sensors and controls. GB