LIGHT-EMITTING DIODES (LEDs)

Solid-state lighting, including LED lighting, represents the newest advancement in illumination for both commercial and residential settings. LEDs are small semi-conductor chips through which current runs to emit light in a visible spectrum. LED lighting technology has been commonplace as indicator lights or display signage (usually red), but only recently has LED lighting been white enough or had enough light output to be practical as a light source. Today, you can find LED lighting equivalents for standard bulb shapes and PAR lamps, and in a range of lighting fixture types: recessed lighting fixtures, under-cabinet lighting fixtures and other accent lighting fixtures, wall sconces, kitchen lighting fixtures, bathroom lights, even ceiling fan light kits with LED lighting.

Lighting manufacturers are rapidly increasing their LED lighting fixture offerings because it is by far the most efficient type of lighting available. LED light output averages 5 to 10 times the lumens per watt of incandescent lighting, and the life span is frequently projected to exceed 25,000 hours. However, the rush to bring new LED lighting fixture products to market has resulted in a wide range of quality levels, so it is important to work with a seasoned professional to navigate this changing landscape. LEDs tend to have cooler color temperatures and relatively limited light output, rendering them impractical for some applications, but with guidance, LED lighting can be a smart choice for those who seek to save the most energy and stay on the cutting edge.

In addition to using LED lighting in place of incandescent or fluorescent alternatives, pure RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs can be used to add drama to a space. The colors and their combinations can seamlessly glide between tones, pulse to a rhythm or maintain a favorite hue — a responsible way to generate mood.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS (CFLs)

Fluorescent lighting has come a long way from being flickering, institutional tubes with poor color rendering. By reinventing the tubes into compact spirals and adding phospors for improved color rendering, manufacturers have made today's fluorescent lighting a welcome alternative to standard incandescent bulbs for a variety of environments. Look for a high CRI, or color rendering index, which rates a light bulb's ability to accurately display colors on a scale up to 100.

While many fluorescent lighting options come in screw-base styles to easily accommodate existing lighting fixtures, there are also dedicated lampholder-and-bulb combinations that will allow only fluorescent lighting to be used, helping to ensure code compliance for energy use. Not all CFLs are UL-listed for use in recessed lighting. Rein Electric can guide you to use the right light source for every lighting fixture application.

Trace amounts of mercury are used in the design of CFLs, so they must be handled with caution if they break and must be disposed of properly. If a CFL breaks, open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes. Put broken pieces in a lidded glass jar or a sealed plastic bag. Use duct tape and/or a wet paper towel to pick up smaller fragments and put these in a sealed container as well. Do not vacuum or use a broom to avoid further contamination. Rein Electric can assist with the disposal and recycling of used CFLs.

LIGHTING CONTROL

If you can turn on a light switch, you can use today's intuitive lighting control systems and benefit from the convenience and energy savings they provide. From a simple dimmer to multi-room systems with layers of lighting effects, Rein Electric can put the power of lighting controls to work for you. Lighting controls not only enhance the mood and ease of a room; they save energy by limiting the light output to only that which is needed. This also prolongs the life of the bulbs for additional savings.

LED lighting fixtures and fluorescent lighting fixtures can now be dimmed, but some types require special dimming equipment. Trust Rein Electric to coordinate your chosen light source with its optimum controls.

DAYLIGHT HARVESTING

What if your lighting could respond to available daylight and set itself at an appropriate level for these conditions? Daylight harvesting can enhance the benefits of lighting controls by either manually or automatically adjusting light levels in response to the daylight that's present. Using a photosensor to automatically control lighting with continuous dimming equipment can generate 30 to 40 percent savings in energy consumption, according to the Lighting Controls Association. Why have your lights on at full power in the middle of the day? Manufacturers such as Lutron even have wireless setups to easily retrofit this technology into any finished environment.

OCCUPANCY SENSORS

Occupancy sensors and vacancy sensors can be used to turn lights on or off automatically, depending on whether a room is occupied or not. This, too, adds convenience as well as substantial energy savings. Occupancy sensors may even be required by code for some applications.