Page 43 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows & Doors / Heating & Cooling / Lighting / Appliances / Plumbing / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

Not only were the first residential LED products expensive, the 3 Lighting Control Devices
quality of the light was disappointing. LEDs are directional light
sources, which means they emit light in a specific direction, unlike Every Home Needs
incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, which emit light and
heat in all directions. For this reason, LED fixtures use light and It should come as no surprise that lights
energy more efficiently in many applications; however, they are also can use a lot of energy, especially if they are
prone to casting a harsh “spotlight,” rather than a diffuse, even light. left on when not in use. Energy-efficient
Another issue was light quality, which was much cooler than the bulbs are the most obvious solution to
warm incandescent bulbs we grew up with. LED products include saving energy and money when it comes
a Kelvin rating, which measures the light’s color temperature. In to lighting in the home. Lighting control
general, lighting in the 2,700 to 3,000 K range is pleasing to most devices can help to reduce energy usage
people; the higher the number, the “whiter” the light. For comparison, and energy costs even further. These allow
incandescent bulbs range between 2,700 and 2,800 K. homeowners to customize the amount of CREDIT: LEVITON
LED choices have expanded rapidly, from can light and bulb ret- light used, and can ensure that lighting is
rofits to dedicated LED fixtures that include internal drivers that only used when needed. Here are three solutions to consider:
transform their higher voltage to household voltage. Although LED
light quality issues have largely been solved, you still need to be selec- Universal Dimmers
tive. LED bulbs that have earned Energy Star certification are subject What They Do: Dimmer light switches (see above photo) can
to specific requirements designed to replicate the experience you are help to reduce energy usage by decreasing lighting levels, and
used to with a standard A-type bulb, so they can be used for a wide thus decreasing the amount of energy used to keep lights on.
variety of applications. A general-purpose LED bulb that is not certi-
fied may not distribute light in all directions and could prove to be a Where to Install: Universal dimmers are ideal lighting control
disappointment if used in a table lamp. devices for most areas within a home, giving you the ability to
control lighting levels for any task at hand.
CFLS Occupancy Sensors
Not Without Issues What They Do: Occupancy sensors ensure lights aren’t left
Compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, also produce light differently on when they’re not needed. They automatically turn the
than incandescent bulbs. In an incandescent, electric current runs lights on when motion is detected and turn the lights off
through a wire filament and heats the filament until it starts to glow. when the room has been vacated.
With a CFL, an electric current is driven through a tube contain-
ing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This generates Where to Install: Occupancy sensors are perfect for entry
invisible ultraviolet light, which excites the fluorescent phosphor ways in the home, such as near a door or garage door leading
coating on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light. to the house, a laundry room, utility closet or anywhere where
CFLs need a little more energy when they are first turned on, but “hands-free” lighting control is desired.
once the electricity starts moving, CFLs use about 70 percent less
energy than incandescent bulbs. Older CFLs used large and heavy Lighting Automation Solutions
magnetic ballasts that caused a buzzing noise in some bulbs. Most What They Do: For homeowners looking to take their
CFLs today (and all Energy Star-certified CFLs) use electronic ballasts, lighting control to the next level, lighting automation devices
which do not buzz or hum. are the ideal solution. Devices with Z-Wave radio frequency
CFLs used to have cost and light quality advantages over LEDs, technology, such as Leviton’s line of Vizia RF + devices, offer
but both of those gaps are closing quickly. Without question, LEDs one-touch control of lights; they also allow you to set lighting
are the lights of the future. “scenes” for certain times of day or events.

Where to Install: Lighting automation solutions are ideal
CONNECTED LIGHTING for living rooms, TV rooms or rooms with lots of windows.
Maximizing Efficiencies Lighting levels can be adjusted according to time of day and
Smart lighting can adjust itself to changing light conditions or oc- the availability of natural light.
cupancy; it can also be programmed to turn on an off at certain
times. Some smart lights even “learn” occupant behavior and adjust Source: Leviton
accordingly. Increasingly, connected lights are part of comprehen-
sive energy management systems. In many cases, these lights can creating “scenes”—coordinated actions among various wireless
be synced to other features or devices—so long as they all speak devices—for specific events.
the same wireless “language.” One example of this is the Caséta Wireless lighting saves the hassle of having to break through
Wireless System, offered by Pennsylvania-based Lutron Electronics. drywall to wire new outlets and switches. If you’re converting to
Through their mobile app, you can control not only your home’s LED lamps or fixtures anyway, this might be a good time to add
lighting, but also the position of shades and thermostat settings, wireless sensors and controls. GB

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