Serving Milford, MA & the 
Good lighting can make a room feel welcoming even if there isn’t natural light.
Choosing the Wrong Light Bulb
Types of Bulbs
There are four popular types of light bulbs. These include LEDs, Incandescent bulbs, Compact Fluorescent bulbs, and Halogen bulbs.
LEDs are one of the most energy-efficient bulbs. They are bright, give off no heat, do not contain mercury, and can provide light for up to 50 thousand hours.
Incandescent bulbs are generally the least expensive and most common bulbs. They give off a warmer light and last up to a year. Although they are not as energy efficient as some other bulbs, they are commonly used in dimmers.
Compact Fluorescents or CFLs are another energy-efficient bulb and can give off a warm or cool tone. These sometimes take a while to warm up and are used for larger spaces.
Halogen bulbs are bright and give off a whitish light. These are both energy efficient and dimmable lights that are often used in recessed lighting.
It is important to know what type of bulbs are in your home fixtures, so when one burns out, you can replace it with the correct type.
Temperatures of Bulbs
The color temperature of a bulb can make your space look completely different. This is a personal preference, as some people prefer warmer tones and others prefer cooler.
Cooler white or bluish lights will make your space brighter and sometimes have the illusion to make a space look larger. Warmer or yellowish lights can give off a cozy feel, but can also seem dark depending on the room or area’s functionality.
Too Little Too Much
Too Bright
If you are constantly getting headaches in one of your rooms from the lights, they may be too bright.
Too much-recessed lighting can cause a room to be too bright. Having a lighting plan that is specific to your space can help you find the perfect lighting solutions.
Too Dark
If you can’t see well what you are doing in your space when the lights are on, you may need to add in additional lighting or swap your bulbs.
Throughout the house, consider adding some recessed lighting or a fixture in the darker spots.
In the kitchen, if it’s too dark, a simple fix may be adding under cabinet lighting.
You also may wish to add more lighting to the dark space to brighten it up and feel more welcoming.
Dismissing Dimmers
Being able to change the brightness in a room can be a great tool. Dimming the lights can set the mood, or give a little light when watching a movie so you don’t stub your toe when getting up for popcorn.
When lights are not dim, they use more energy, causing you more money. Dimmers can also help lengthen the lifespan of your light bulbs.
Not Lighting The Night
Outdoor lighting is just as important as indoor lighting. Keeping lights on inside your home will help keep it bright indoors at night,, but what about on your porch or patio?
Whether the outdoor lights are on sensors or not, you don’t want it shining in a room that someone is sleeping in.
Making these both functional and safe for your home is the trick.
Lighting Layout
Your lights should be a piece of decor but also be functional.
Sizing
Whether it is recessed lighting, a beautiful chandelier, or a vanity light, the size of your light fixture should complement your room.
Don’t ignore spaces just because they seem small. Even hall closets or pantries could use lighting.
Functionality
Remember what the space you’re lighting is used for. Is it a lamp for a side table where you read, or for the game room with the ping pong and foosball table?
Taking the lifestyle of the people in your household and the use of the space can help create lighting that is functional and efficient.
Tingley Home Services, are experts within the Natick, MA area, and can provide top-notch electrical services. Call us at (508) 501-7889 for all your electrical needs!
