Install an Advanced Lighting System
Ryan McVay
Unlike standard home lighting strategies that place one switch-controlled source of light in each room, an advanced lighting system can put control of task, ambient, and accent lighting at the homeowner's fingertips. Computerized, programmable lighting systems help reduce lighting costs by allowing the homeowner to choose specifically where and when to illuminate different areas while improving the aesthetics of the home.
There's a greater selection of long-life, energy-efficient bulbs. No longer limited to stark, noisy utility lights, fluorescents have evolved into quiet, warm energy-saving light sources that can be used in any room.
New fixture designs like track lighting also allow for more creative and functional light sourcing. Often these fixtures will call for low-voltage halogen bulbs like "bipins" or MR16s. These operate at a much lower temperature than normal halogen lights, further reducing energy consumption by not driving up room temperature, which requires more air conditioning.
The best practice when installing lighting in a home is to install an advanced residential lighting system that makes lighting both functional and beautiful.
When choosing an advanced lighting system for a new home, here are a few things to take into account:
- Consider energy consumption. Identify which rooms will be used the most, and use energy-efficient lights like fluorescents or low-voltage lights in those areas.
- Prioritize lighting around each room's main purpose. Kitchens and bathrooms need more task lighting, while homeowners prefer ambient lighting in living rooms.
- Be sure to account for safety by lighting stairways or areas where low light could lead to high risk.
- Make sure all fixtures are properly installed and rated for their specific use. This is especially true of IC (Insulation Contact) rated recessed down lights.
- Once the lighting system is installed, familiarize yourself on how the system operates and if any long-term maintenance is required.
- To enhance the home's beauty, light up the details. Illuminate architecture and design features like built-in cabinets and entryways.
By choosing longer-life, energy-efficient bulbs you can significantly decrease the operating costs of a home. When looking for ways to lower homeowner costs and increase comfort and home appeal, choosing to install an advanced computer integrated lighting system is a very bright idea.
