LEDs, or Light Emitting Diodes, generate photons that create heat-free light. Unlike incandescent light bulbs that have a filament that glows producing both heat and light. LEDs can create the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb using far less energy.

There are many benefits to changing the lights in your space over to LEDs. They use far less energy which will save you hundreds of dollars each year on your energy bill. Additionally, LED bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs meaning you won’t have to replace them as often.

When it comes to incandescent bulbs, about 80% of the energy they use goes to producing heat while only 20% goes towards producing light. With LED bulbs, the opposite is true. 80% of the electricity they use goes towards producing light with 20% going towards producing heat. This means that with an LED bulb you are paying for less energy to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.

An incandescent lightbulb typically lasts about 750 hours. An energy-efficient LED bulb can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 hours. That’s the equivalent of about 11 years. Not having to change a lightbulb for over a decade is well worth the initial cost of buying them.

Initially, the upfront cost of an LED light bulb is more expensive than an incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent bulb. In the long run, however, making the switch to LEDs can save you hundreds, if not thousands each year in energy and maintenance costs.

Ambient, or general lighting, gives a space overall illumination with a comfortable level of brightness. Ambient lighting creates enough light to see and walk around safely, without glare. This can usually be achieved with ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, chandeliers, recessed, or track lighting.

Task lighting is designed to help you perform specific tasks like reading, homework, cooking, grooming, etc. This lighting should be bright enough to prevent eye strain but free of distracting glare and shadows. You can add task lighting through the use of recessed lighting, pendants, track lighting, and floor and desk lamps.

Accent lighting is typically used to highlight points of visual interest in a room, requiring as much as three times the amount of light on the focal point than the general light surrounding it. Accent lighting can be used to highlight plants, paintings, sculptures, and any other prized possessions that you want to use to create drama in a space. This can usually be achieved through the use of recessed and track lighting or wall-mounted picture lighting.

There are complex calculations that professionals like The Bulb Guys use to figure out how many lumens a space needs to be well lit. A good rule of thumb is that for a bedroom or any similar sized space, a fixture with three light bulbs will provide an adequate amount of ambient lighting. For an open concept living space that is a little larger, a fixture with five light bulbs would be more appropriate. Of course, The Bulb Guys are always here to help you figure that out

Light dimmers are devices that are connected to your light fixtures which allow you to control the amount of light that fixture creates at any given time. They can be used to increase and decrease the brightness of light emitted to create atmosphere and save energy.

There are some excellent reasons to install dimmers as part of your home or commercial lighting scheme. First, dimmers allow you to conserve energy and preserve bulb life by not operating them at full power all of the time. Additionally, dim lights can make for a more comfortable ambiance when setting the tone for parties and gatherings.

A pendant light is a lone light fixture that is suspended from the ceiling. Usually by a cord, chain, or rod. Typically pendant lights only have one single bulb incorporated into their design. They concentrate light in a downward motion making them an excellent option for task and accent lighting.

While both styles of lighting are suspended from the ceiling, a pendant light only has a single bulb whereas a chandelier incorporates multiple bulbs to give off more light. A chandelier is an excellent source of ambient lighting while a pendant is better used for task or accent lighting.

Pendant lights are most commonly used above kitchen islands and tables, usually grouped with two or more to add further illumination. Pendant lighting is also a popular choice for smaller spaces like powder rooms or entryways.

Pendant lights are a quick and easy install so they are a great option to spruce up your space with little effort. Additionally, pendant lights allow you to focus the light in a downward direction making them an excellent choice for task lighting.

Generally speaking, a pendant light should be hung around 60-66 inches above the ground. Enough space for people to walk under without hitting their heads. If hanging above a table or counter, you will want to aim for 30 inches above the table.

Track lighting is a lighting system where fixtures are attached to a continuous track. This allows electricity to be conducted to all light fixtures at the same time rather than on an individual basis. Track lighting became a popular option due to its versatility. Track lighting systems can act as ambient, task, and accent lighting when used efficiently.

There are multiple benefits to installing track lighting. They are versatile and come in virtually any material or style being easily workable into your home design. They are movable so they can be used to highlight specific features. Additionally, they are excellent options for any type of lighting be it ambient, task, or accent.

Track lighting is incredibly versatile making it workable in almost any space. Whether you are creating light in a big or small space you can add as many or as few light fixtures to a track lighting system as you want.

Recessed lighting is lighting that is fixed directly into hallow spaces like a ceiling, wall, or other surfaces. This style of lighting is minimalistic eliminating the look of the fixture altogether. Recessed lighting is a versatile choice as it can act as ambient, accent, and task lighting.

Retrofitting is the act of taking old light fixtures and updating them to make them more energy-efficient. Over time, the savings in energy costs alone will offset the initial setup costs. In addition, you may even qualify for grants and reimbursements meant to encourage energy efficiency in home and building upgrades.

Typically if you are experiencing flickering, lights that take a while to turn on, or won’t turn on at all, a simple bulb change should do the trick. If not, then you may need to replace the switch. Additionally, it may be time for a new switch if it is sparking, making noise, or getting warm.

There are some pretty obvious tell-tale signs that a power outlet may need to be replaced. If it’s not working, burnt, cracked, sparking, or smoking, if plugs come loose, two-pronged, or if it comes loose itself you may want to consider an upgrade.

If you begin to hear beeps roughly one minute apart, your CO2 monitor or fire alarm may just need a simple battery change.  If you have changed the batteries and the beeping either has not stopped or won’t beep at all following a test, they may need to be replaced.

Yes, we do! Whether you are looking to install new lighting fixtures and elements, looking to retrofit an outdated lighting system, or anything in between The Bulb Guys can help. 

Absolutely! If you are looking for creative commercial lighting solutions we’ve got your back. The Bulb Guys can guide you through some energy-efficient upgrades that could save you thousands and qualify your business for rebates and incentives. Excellent lighting solutions can help increase productivity and decrease energy costs.