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NEW LIGHTING TRENDS FROM MILWAUKEE/NARI
August 25, 2009

127th Anniversary of First Electric Lighting

On September 4, 1882, Thomas Edison introduced the world to electric lighting.  When he switched on his electrical power distribution system, 110-voltz direct current turned on 400 electric lights in offices on Spruce, Wall, Nassau, and Pearl streets in lower Manhattan.

In 127 years, electric lighting has come a long way. Members of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) say that the lighting industry is changing to meet the demands of energy-conscious homeowners.  New technology makes lighting the home inside and out more convenient, safe, and “green.”

INDOOR

According to Andrew Guskov of Lutron Electronics in Glendale, the latest trend in lighting is automated lighting control, which gives homeowners the right amount of light when they need it and energy savings when they don’t.

“Lighting accounts for almost 20 percent of the average homeowner's monthly electric bill,” Guskov said.  “A single dimmer can save up to $30 a year in electricity costs and light bulb life extension.  Each year, Lutron dimmers save a total of 9.2 billion kWh – the equivalent output of one large coal or nuclear-fired power plant.  The equivalent annual savings to the economy would be $1 billion in energy costs.”

Occupancy sensors are another energy-saving product.  The sensor, which ensures that lights are never left on, is ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, walk-in closets, basements, or pantries.  He said that using a compatible Lutron dimmer with the sensor allows homeowners to automatically turn lights on to a dimmed level rather than to full on, saving even more energy.

Wireless lighting control solutions also can be easily retrofitted into existing homes. “These types of products offer homeowners convenience, aesthetics, safety, and energy savings,” he said.  Wall and lamp dimmers helps homeowners match their light level to their activities, saving energy each time they dim the lights.  “With a press of one button, light a safe pathway of light from your car into your house.”

Families are able to create a home theater experience in the living room with a controller, lamp dimmer, and wall dimmer.  “And with a wireless controller at your bedside, you can control hallway, bedroom, and/or bathroom lights conveniently without having to walk across a dark room,” he said.  “If you need to get up in the middle of the night, you can turn on a low light level providing just enough light to find your way to the bathroom.”  With a wireless controller, homeowners can control dimming in multiple locations.

Guskov noted that homeowners could control natural light as well. “There are products available that easily control sunlight to prevent harsh U/V rays from damaging expensive furnishings or reduce glare that reflects off a television or computer screen.  At the simple touch of a button, you can automatically raise and lower shades to reduce heat gain in a space, thereby lowering cooling costs, or achieve instant privacy from the outside.”

Finally, a whole home system covers it all – “Energy savings, aesthetics, safety, security, and seamless integration of natural and artificial light control,” he said.  “Homeowners can use whole-home systems to create safe pathways and automate dramatic lighting of landscape and architecture.”

OUTDOOR

Landscaping usually brings gardening to mind, but outdoor lighting can have a large impact on curb appeal as well as security.  According to Oscar Peterson of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives in Watertown, outdoor lighting design is one of the fastest growing trends in home decorating, creating more beautiful neighborhoods and safer, more secure homes.

“Ten years ago, virtually no one was doing outdoor lighting in a pleasing, effective manner,” Peterson said. “Today, the practice of outdoor lighting has become much more sophisticated and effective, resulting in systems that are practical and add to the beauty of a home as seen at night.”

The most common error that homeowners make with outdoor lighting, according to Peterson, is emphasizing the use of floodlights, either mounted on the home and shining down or placed in the front of the home and shining onto the façade.  While floodlights may give a sense of wellbeing, they can actually create safety and security problems.

“When you have a floodlight shining toward your house and you look outside, all you can see is the glare from the floodlight, which can protect intruders from detection,” he said.  “Plus, if the floodlight is on the eve of the house and shining out, you will be blinded as you approach the house and risk stumbling and falling.”

Floodlights illuminate both the area where they are directed and adjacent areas.  The result is neighbors who must endure the bright glare of their neighbor’s lights.  “Floodlighting also does nothing for the aesthetics of a home at night.  When you are blasting 500 watt lights against a home, all of the detail and texture of the home is lost," he said.

More savvy homeowners are selecting outdoor lighting systems with a series of energy-efficient, low-wattage lights strategically placed around the home.  The lights are positioned on the ground and shine up on distinctive features, creating a pleasing effect and providing sufficient light to ward off intruders and assure sure footing.

“Uplighting provides security because you are placing lights in the areas where an intruder might hide, such as bushes adjacent to the home,” he said.  “When you look from inside the home out, you are not blinded by lights, so that you can see if anyone is in the area.  Even when looking from across the street, uplighting will create a silhouette of anyone next to your home.”

Carefully placed uplighting also contributes to safety, by providing sufficient light for navigating sidewalks and steps without shining directly into your face.  Path lights assure walking safety without light spilling over into a neighbor’s yard.

While practical concerns are essential with outdoor lighting, homeowners can also use uplighting systems to add to the beauty of their homes.  He advises placing lights to accent interesting architectural or landscape features.  “You can accent the texture of the brick, masonry above windows, or other distinctive elements," he said.  "It's an opportunity to accent ornamental trees, such as Crabapples, River Birches, or Japanese Maples."

Stucco and clapboard homes also come to life at night with properly positioned, energy-efficient, low-wattage lights.  They should be positioned no more than four feet away from the area they are lighting and positioned less than 30 degrees from vertical.

Don't forget the deck or patio, where outdoor lighting can add to safety, security, and enjoyment.  “For patios, consider using path lights around the perimeter, which will reflect light onto the patio,” he said.  “With decks, we suggest lights with a shielded light source underneath the handrails.  These lights provide just the right light for conversation and are much more pleasant than typical deck lighting with a bright light shining from the side of a home.”

According to Peterson, low-wattage halogen lights of 20-35 watts are much brighter than incandescent lights of the same wattage.  "A properly installed low-wattage system will consume approximately 30 percent less energy than a lighting plan that emphasizes line voltage floodlights.”

What would Edison think of the advancements in electric lighting?  Is it worthwhile for homeowners to install modern outdoor landscape lighting or an automated lighting system indoors?  As Guskov said, making the change won't compromise comfort or style.  New lighting technology can "save energy, while creating inviting, comfortable spaces at home or work – making light greener and better."

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry’s growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation’s largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI’s Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071 or visit the Council’s Web site at www.milwaukeenari.org.