Were you aware that lighting accounts for about 5% of residential energy use in the US? It’s likely higher in homes that haven’t made the switch to LED (light-emitting diode) lights yet.
So, if you’re still using older incandescent or halogen lights, it’s time to upgrade to LED.
To that end, we came up with this guide on the best residential lighting updates you can invest in. Read on to discover your smartest options for adequate and safe illumination at home.
Task Lighting
In 2019, 39.4 million people in the US sustained medically consulted injuries. These injuries occurred right in their homes and communities. Many of these were hand injuries, such as cuts from knives and other hand tools.
Using any equipment or tool without enough light can put you at a higher risk of injuries. That makes strategically-placed task lights a must-have lighting upgrade. These overhead lighting fixtures act as spotlights, enhancing the visibility of work surfaces.
If you don’t have sockets in the proper places, reach out to a residential electrician. Ask the pro to install sockets and LED bulbs right above your work area, such as the kitchen countertops. You can also have the expert set you up with wall-mounted task lights in your home office or hobby room.
Dimmable Lights
Dimmable lights allow you to control the bulbs’ brightness level with a dimmer switch. You can make them give off a brighter light, or you can fade them down when there’s natural light available. This adjustability gives you the right amount of light for safety and eye comfort.
You can also save energy when you dim these lights down, as doing so reduces their voltage. You can bring the bulbs’ brightness level down during the day when the sun’s up, and its light enters windows.
Dimmable lights are also great in setting the mood, such as if you’d like to have a romantic dinner. You can also dim them down in preparation for sleep, as too much blue light can impair sleep.
Darkness-Sensing Exterior Lightbulbs
Darkness-sensing LED bulbs automatically turn on as dusk sets in. These modern lighting options can do this through the use of light sensors. They can detect changes in the amount of light present, turning on when it’s dim and off when it’s bright.
That makes such lightbulbs perfect for your exterior lighting. Since they turn on and off on their own, they can also help you save energy.
Motion-Sensing Hallway and Staircase Lights
Every year, an estimated one million individuals in the US sustain stairs-related injuries. Most of these result from people slipping, tripping, and falling off their stairs. Inadequate light by the staircase and hallways can put your family at risk of such accidents.
So, why not add motion-sensing lights by the hallways and stairs? These bulbs switch on whenever they detect movement and turn off after about a minute or two. In this way, they give extra safety illumination while also helping you cut your energy bills.
Illuminate Your Home With These Smart Lighting Updates
Task lighting, dimmable bulbs, and sensor lights are all great options for your home. Just make sure to invest in LED light bulbs, as these are the most energy-efficient lights in the market. They shine brighter than any other bulb, not to mention last way longer.
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