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Home Lighting Controls

Penny Henderson of Lightolier discusses the home's dimmer switch system and the benefits of controlling lighting for different scenarios and demonstrates the Lightolier lighting control multiset for Bob.

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Home Lighting Controls

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" And we really needed your help his ass in many remodeling as the architect here specified. Well over a dozen points of light throughout the kitchen ceiling and all the different areas and your job is to help us figure out how to control."

" Yes it is Bob. And you really do need lighting controls in the same way that you wouldn't buy a stereo without a volume control on you shouldn't have a nice lighting design. Without having good lighting controls right and what kind of control system that we put it. We have your system call multi set it operates with. A variety of individual while customers that are remotely located in your pantry OK and then we have these key pads. On to a chat programs some light levels for the activities that are going to happen in the states and the key pads can -- we have several of the key stats throughout the room. Did -- do you have one at each of the entrances so that you have convenient ways to turn lights on so how many different options do we have. This keypad gives you five selections plus saw him how have you completed out here I program these for the activities that happened in space. This top button is your bright general ambient light level that you would use most days land a lot of the family is working in the kitchen everything's gone everything's on pretty false then what. On this next button. I program light level just for cooking. It brings the lights down over the dining area and leaves the -- high over the workspace -- that the person home alone is cooking with. Plenty of life now once you finish cooking when you press decision finish cooking press the next button. And that takes you to a dining scene. That brings the lights up over the table. And around the beautiful cabinetry and brings the light level down over the work area. So that even if you leave your pots and pans out there it's darkened album except in the -- The next flight level. Is just for cleanup that brings the lights up over the sink yeah. Analyze less light level is your milk and cookies run it gives you enough light to get into the kitchen without stumbling over anything related that's my favorite want."

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Energy-Wise Lighting Fixtures

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. We all know that switching to fluorescent lighting saves energy and money. But if it s such a good deal, why aren t we all doing it? One reason is the bad rap that fluorescent lighting has gotten from those old-style fixtures we all remember from schools and commercial buildings of decades past. T-12 type standard fixtures are infamous for humming, buzzing, flickering and giving an unflattering cast to everything they illuminate. Those older fixtures can be upgraded with an electronic ballast. They can also be replaced with the new t-8 type fluorescent fixtures that eliminate humming and flickering. T-8 type fixtures last just as long or longer because they weigh less and run cooler, and they save 40 percent on electricity. Installing them on timers or occupancy sensors saves even more energy, and that s very good for business. At home, a lighting upgrade is much simpler. Now you can find a compact fluorescent bulb to fit almost any fixture in your home. While they may take a few seconds to warm up, they produce more accurate color and less glare than standard bulbs, which reduces eye strain and headaches. A new generation compact fluorescent bulb will cost more than a regular incandescent bulb anywhere from $5 to $25. But each one can save you $100 in electricity and last up to 13 times longer. As if that weren t motivation enough, some utilities offer free light bulbs or rebates for homeowners who are willing to make the switch. Best of all, upgrading your lighting saves greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing just one 75-watt light bulb with an 18-watt compact fluorescent can keep one ton of carbon dioxide emissions and 20 pounds of sulfur oxide out of the atmosphere. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Kitchen Lighting

Lighting design is an important part of any kitchen. A single overhead fixture can make a room seem flat. You want to try and highlight those areas you use the most. One way is to install task lighting under the cabinets or use it to uplight objects. For ambient light, use track lighting to open up the room. You can adjust the levels by using a dimmer switch. This allows you to accent certain areas to complement any occasion.

Mood Lighting

If you're looking for ways to add some character to your house, try designing some mood lighting. A single overhead fixture can make a room seem flat. To really brighten up a room, try using wall washers and uplighting for ambient light. Hiding lights inside casework or with sconces is great for accenting certain areas. For a more romantic scheme. bring down the ambient levels and try uplighting plants or other objects.

Track Lighting

Track lighting is a great option if you want versatility in a lighting scheme. Tracks can be hung at different levels and are held in place with set screws to support the weight of several fixtures. The track heads themselves can be redirected at different angles to achieve the desired effect, and because the track itself is electrified, you can swap fixtures in and out with just a twist.