LED Lighting
LED's are being used in many commercial applications, as the energy savings are more quickly realized in such large scale applications, resulting in more immediate savings. As this market continues to grow however, the prices are starting to drop due to the larger demand and manufacturing streamlining, which means that they will continue to become a more affordable option for home owners. While still costly right now at $50 - $100 a bulb, the long-term savings are very promising.
Did you know that the applications for LED lighting have grown to include undercabinet, curio, recessed lighting, and several types of bulbs, including regular lamps, chandeliers and even replacements for office/ closet type fluorescents? These lights are much better than CFL’s in a few important ways. First and foremost, there is no toxic mercury in these. Second, you can choose from a variety of different colors (temperatures) to suit your tastes and/ or tasks; from warm to cool and even full spectrum light (think grow lights or light therapy). The color rendering of LED's has become so good that you can use it for both ambient and task lighting, and with as much as a 60,000 hour lifespan, it will outlast even CFL's by many years. Thirdly, you can dim them! If you use our favorite dimmer, Lutron, check here to make sure the brand of LED you choose works with their dimmers.
The new LED's are well positioned to replace all our lighting needs, even the Halogen and Xenon lighting that we're all accustomed to using for undercabinet, curio and rail lighting. As well as the obvious energy savings, another major benefit of replacing these fixtures with LED's is that they do not get hot like the Halogens and Xenons do, (think chocolate on the bottom shelf of a cabinet with traditional undercabinet lighting). Halogen and Xenon lighting have been the best choice of light for task lighting in the kitchen for many years, however LED light technology has caught up and as manufacturing increases, the initial cost will continue to come down, eventually replacing these with this green, super energy efficient, long lasting, non-toxic alternative.
Because the investment upfront is still quite costly, one thought to consider is converting your bulbs in stages or a few at a time rather than all at once. Also, remember that with the investment and life span of these bulbs, you’ll want to add them to your “packing” list if, and or when, you are planning a move.
The average lifespan for the three types of bulbs:
Incandescent 1500 hours
CFL's 10,000 hours
LED's 60,000 hours
2010 Tour of Remodeled Homes
It's time for the Tour of Remodeled Homes!
March 6th and 7th
This year we are featuring a kitchen remodel that was done within the existing footprint. The project was all about function, accessibility and style along with adding a few professional grade appliances and beautiful cherry cabinets.
Come visit us this weekend in West Linn, house #6 on the Tour. You can buy tickets online or you can buy tickets at our tour home.
Spring Home & Garden Show
February 24 through 28
Well, the daffodils are blooming, the grass is growing and soon it'll be time to tackle all those projects around the house.
In that spirit, the Spring Home and Garden Show at the Expo starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday and as always, we'll be there to help with inspiration, ideas and all your remodeling questions. Stop by and see us at booth 942.
Click here to get a coupon for $3 off admission during the week.
Tags:economy, Kitchens & Baths, LED, CFL, Lutron, Incandescent, remodeling, green, mercury, dimmers, energy, halogen, xenon, light bulbs, lighting, undercabinet lights, task lighting, ambient lighting