New Technologies are Lighting the Way
Remember the
old center-of-the-ceiling light fixture? You entered a room, hit the
wall switch, and a couple of light bulbs behind a semi-transparent
plate shed general, flat light over the whole room. All features of
the room, good and bad, got the same emphasis. There was enough light
to avoid tripping over the dog, but not enough light to read
by.
Things have changed. Lighting is now a sophisticated design
element of the modern home, whether that home is traditional or
contemporary in style. Every aspect of lighting -- placement,
function, control, style, energy-efficiency -- has evolved to offer
exactly what is needed in each room.
The thoughtful placement of lighting
fixtures with specific -- rather than general -- function can make a
dramatic change in a room. For example, instead of a big overhead
fluorescent panel, new kitchens now feature task-specific fixtures
such as recessed spot lights over the sink and other work stations,
strip lights under wall cabinets, or dropped fixtures over work
islands or eating areas. Other examples of task lighting include
automatic bulbs in cabinets and pantries, up- and down-lights that
showcase landscaping or artwork, and fixtures positioned to throw
light on stair treads.
Lighting controls have also come a long way from
the simple wall-mounted switch. Homeowners can program or manipulate
lighting schemes to create custom ambiance for a casual dinner party
or an intimate evening at home. Timers, remote controls, dimmer
switches, and motion sensors enhance the flexibility, beauty and
convenience of a lighting design using both wired and wireless
technologies.
Besides increasing the technical sophistication of their
products, lighting manufacturers have had to keep up with current
styles and fashions. Pendants, wall sconces, chandeliers, and domed
fixtures are available in an almost endless array of styles and
finishes. In addition, lighting suppliers have developed a greater
range of compatible fixtures to achieve a coordinated look for all
lighting products in the house.
Security lighting has also grown in
popularity and available options in recent years. Inside the home,
high tech wired and wireless timers can be programmed to create the
illusion of activity while the owners are away. Outside,
motion-activated lighting is a basic feature, especially at entries.
Outdoor fixtures can highlight house numbers to assist emergency
services. Lights in the garage and house can flash on and off as part
of a security system that alerts neighbors or police of an
unauthorized intrusion. The addition of outdoor lighting provides both
increased security and esthetic appeal.
Greater energy efficiency
is a primary benefit of current lighting design. One of the easiest
and fastest ways to save energy is to use compact fluorescent
bulbs instead of the common incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent
bulbs, or CFLs, last longer, deliver more lumens (the amount of
light), emit far less heat, and consume 67% less electricity. The
savings in energy more than cover the additional cost for the bulbs.
Energy-efficient light fixtures and bulbs are prominent among the list
of products to qualify under the federal Energy Star program, helping
homeowners earn tax breaks for investing in energy smart
technology.
Outdoor light fixtures are increasingly powered by solar
energy and light sensors to save even more electricity. Small
photovoltaic cells are built right into path and landscape products to
power them only at night. These systems require no wiring or current
from another source, making them safe and easy to replace as needed.
Homeowners enjoy the added convenience and beauty of outdoor lighting,
whether or not they remember to turn them on or
off.
Professional builders incorporate modern lighting design and
products in their new homes, adding long-lasting value while enhancing
style, convenience, comfort, security, and efficiency.
Warm regards,
Dan Steurer, MBA
Sunwest Development, LLC
P.O. BOX 3102
St George, UT 84771
(435) 674-0091 - phone
(435) 634-0965 - fax
dan@sunwestdev.com
www.sunwestdev.com
c. 2007 All rights reserved.
