Lighting makes a much bigger difference to a home than many people realize. It’s also a much bigger contributor to your energy bills than you may think, especially if your lighting is outdated.
Upgrading your lighting can provide many benefits in terms of saving energy, making your life more convenient, enhancing the look and feel of your home, and even improving home security. Learn more about the lighting trends that are shaping how people illuminate their homes.
LED Lighting
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy established new energy-efficiency standards for lighting, which took effect in 2023. These rules effectively banned the sale of most traditional incandescent light bulbs in the U.S. That means the most common options for standard fixtures today are LED bulbs, with CFLs still available in some stores but increasingly being phased out.
While CFLs are typically a bit cheaper upfront, LEDs are superior in virtually every other way. Not only are LEDs much more energy efficient, but they also usually last far longer. This is especially true for light fixtures that frequently get turned on and off, since that stress shortens the lifespan of CFLs much more than LEDs.
With LED lighting, you also have far more options in terms of color, style, and design. CFLs are available in a few color temperatures, but LEDs cover the full spectrum — from warm soft yellow to bright daylight and even tunable smart colors. That makes it easy to choose the right lighting for every situation and space.
The wider range of LED designs also means you can find creative applications for every part of your home. For instance, many people now install small LEDs under kitchen cabinets to illuminate countertops, or even inside cabinets for better visibility.
LED strip lighting along the toe kick at the base of floor-mounted cabinets adds style and safety, while LED strips and strings can highlight artwork or create accent lighting that elevates your home décor.
Smart Light Bulbs and Switches
Smart light bulbs and switches are quickly growing in popularity for several reasons. Both options can connect to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control them using an app, or to a smart hub for voice control. Many smart LEDs also allow you to adjust color and brightness, so you can create the perfect mood and environment for any situation.
Benefits of smart lighting include:
- Remote control to prevent wasted energy if lights are left on
- Timers to automatically turn lights on or off, such as driveway or porch lights
- Security benefits by mimicking occupancy when you’re away
- Adaptive brightness that adjusts based on natural light in the room
When choosing between smart bulbs and smart switches, consider the pros and cons:
- Smart bulbs can be controlled individually, making them flexible, but they’re more expensive per bulb.
- Smart switches control entire circuits, which may be more cost-effective, though they require installation by an electrician.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensor lighting has long been used for outdoor security, but it’s increasingly popular indoors as well. Hallways, bathrooms, and closets are common places where motion sensors make life easier, especially at night.
Studies have found that bathroom light switches and other frequently touched household surfaces can harbor significant bacteria, partly because they’re often overlooked during cleaning. By installing motion sensor lighting in bathrooms, you can reduce one of the most frequently touched germ hotspots.
Smart motion sensor systems also allow app control, so you can temporarily disable them during activities like showering or watching a movie. They prevent wasted energy, improve convenience, and can even deter intruders by automatically lighting up when someone enters.
Motion sensors can also pair well with cabinet LEDs — turning on automatically when the door opens and shutting off after it closes, so you never waste electricity.
Task Lighting
Most homes rely heavily on overhead ceiling lights, but there are many situations where dedicated task lighting is more effective. Smaller, focused lights are especially useful in:
- Home offices
- Craft or hobby rooms
- Kitchens (food prep areas)
- Reading areas or bedside sconces
Task lighting provides the right amount of illumination where you need it, without overpowering the entire room. It also helps reduce eye strain and makes spaces more versatile.
Your Local Electrical Experts
If you’re searching for an electrician in the Farmington Hills area that you can trust, AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is the company to turn to. We’ve been in business since 1925, and our team can expertly handle your electrical upgrade and electrical repair needs. Whether it’s upgrading your lighting, installing ceiling fans, or replacing your electrical panel, you can rest assured you’ll receive quality work and outstanding customer service when you choose us.
For more information or to set up an appointment, contact AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today.
