Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: The Ultimate Guide To Color Temperature Part 2

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Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: A Color, Light, And Temperature Guide Part 2

Choosing Your Measured CCT

When choosing your desired CCT, it is best to keep in mind that all the objects, as well as the colors within a designated space, are brought out with that of warmer CCTs. As a result, designers suggest temperatures of 2700K and 3000K to highlight the reds and yellows of wood grain flooring. From a commercial or industrial standpoint, they generally tend to lean to those sources which can provide 4000K to 5000K since it readily matches that of outdoor lighting and creates a productive feeling. As far as cooler light is concerned, an advantage is that it has always been seen as being brighter than those of warm sources. As such, numerous businesses are bending toward cooler temperatures which can, in turn, save them some money. This is achieved as a result of saving energy since less light would be used when compared to warmer sources.

The Pros And Cons Of Residential Outdoor Lighting In Houston

There are several pros and cons with respect to the warmer temperatures of outdoor lighting for residential use. This is as a result of the environment that the lights are being placed into, as such, warm colors are generally thought of as being not bright enough when they are placed into areas where people want to work with white light that is crisp. Some areas present cool colors which occur naturally and when they enter, they can be seen as being more yellow or even pink, this then causes individuals to think that the lights are not working properly. Cool colors are typically viewed as being institutional or even sterile and this is a huge downside.

Warm Color Temperatures

With all said, numerous individuals wouldn’t prefer the change from a warm color since they may feel that it is too bright for their liking. In order to choose the proper outdoor lighting, it is best to assess your environmental needs beforehand and inform your supplier of the type of environment as well as the ambiance that you intend to create. It should also be noted that if you’re interested in changing your initial light sources, such as in the case of fluorescent to LED or even CCT, you should definitely ensure that your entire room has been completed since come differences are not distinguishable to others.

If you are looking to further learn about the temperatures of colors and how they can affect the colors within your backyard outdoor lighting projects, be sure to contact Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting or call us at 713.861.2000. Or simply visit our blog.

Houston Residential Outdoor Lighting: Top 3 Landscape Lighting Design Trends for 2018 

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Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: 3 Trends For Residential Landscape Lighting Designs in Houston

1. Fixtures

Earth Tone Coated Fixtures Going Out. Earth tone coated fixtures are losing their popularity. In the past, it was recommended that path lights in earth tones that matched the landscape be used to keep them from seeming intrusive; however, the latest attitudes towards this theory are changing. Designers are now realizing that the beauty of the lighting fixtures can enhance your landscape and add beauty. Brass and copper lighting fixtures continually prove to be a timeless choice for properties during the day and at night. As the metal ages, a beautiful patina develops that enhances the beauty throughout your landscape. The patina’s colors and hues will change from year to year. Much like nature changes through the seasons, metal lighting fixtures will also change over the years to add interest to the landscape. Check out some outdoor lighting tips by clicking here.

2. Lamps

Halogen lighting is not as popular as it once was due to continual lamp burnouts and the energy these lamps consume. Additionally, because of the maintenance required for halogen lighting fixtures, the demand for halogen lights continues to decline. Instead, LED lights are becoming the preferred choice. The technology used in LED lights have changed the lighting industry. While LED lights have been around for awhile, they are just now being embraced by the landscape lighting industry. Houston residential outdoor lighting understands that LED lamps can mimic halogen lighting, making it difficult to spot the difference between the two. In the past, LED lighting was only available in cold blue; however, this is a thing of the past. LED lamps are available in a range of lighting colors and are incredibly energy efficient. These tips are great to consider to avoid landscaping failures for at your residence.

3. Timers

Old school analog timers that use a wheel in a mechanical timer are a thing of the past. Although this type of timer is dependable, newer control systems are making a strong play for the preferred choice of landscape timers. An astronomical timer offers so much more sophisticated control over the timing system than an analog timer. astrometrical timers are effective and are easy to use. All you need to do is enter your property’s GPS location or your zip code for them to work properly. The timers use this information to know when sunrise and sunset is every day of the year. You can also program an astrometrical timer to account for daylight savings. Additionally, these timers allow you to control the days that you want your outdoor lighting to come on and more. Contact your Houston residential outdoor lighting provider for more information on the benefits of an astrometrical timer. The lighting specialist can also help with the installation of your astrometrical timer. Make your home more aesthetically pleasing with these tips.

To learn more about outdoor home lighting Houston TX Services,  check out our website and our blog. For questions or concerns, please Call us now.

 

Some Tools Of The Trade When It Comes To LED Lighting in Houston

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LED Lighting Guide And LED FAQs

What does LED mean?

LED is short for light-emitting diode.

What is an LED?

An LED is a kind of solid-state lighting that utilizes semiconductors for converting electricity to light. An LED uses about 20% of the energy that traditional incandescent used and can last as much as 25 times longer. LED’s, when compared to halogen incandescent, use about 20% of the amount of energy and will last about 8-25 times longer.

Where can LED’s be used?

LED lights may be used in almost all parts of the house. They can be used with all kinds types of bulbs, including MR reflectors, A-shape, PAR reflectors, recessed, under cabinet and decorative. They may be used to replace 75W, 60W and 40W light bulbs.

Should I make the switch over to LED lighting?

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting | Houston LED LightingLED’s are well-known to produce less heat, have better energy efficiency and have longer lifespans when compared with traditional lighting. They also function effectively in both extreme cold and heat and are resistant to shocks and vibrations.

The following are some of the major benefits of LED lighting:

Longer Lifespan – LED lights last up to 10,000 hours or 20 years, which compared to traditional incandescent is about 50 times longer.

More Energy Efficient – When compared to halogens and incandescents use less than 1/6th of the amount of energy.

Lower Maintenance Costs – Enhanced durability and longer lifespan translates into less money and time to maintain and replace lights.

Safe to Use – Because LEDs do not emit harmful IR or UV radiation, contain mercury, or heat up, they are safe to use around humans, flammable objects and art.

More Durable – LEDS don’t use glass bulbs or filaments and are made out of plastic, so they are a lot harder to break and last longer.

Easier to Use – Their higher efficiency allows you to string together multiple LEDs together easily without the circuit getting overloaded. The other bulbs stay lit if one burns out.

Why do LEDs cost more than other bulbs?

The reason why LEDs cost more is because it is more expensive to make them. However, over the long-term they save you money since they reduce replacement, maintenance and energy costs. Prices are expected to go down as technology continues to improve.

What is it about LEDs that make them different compared to other types of bulbs?

There are several different ways that LED lighting differs from other lighting choices:

Light source – LED’s are quite small, only around the size of a dot. They are available in various colors, including color-changing LEDs, white, blue, green and red.

Direction – Light is emitted by LEDs in a specific direction, which eliminates the need for diffusers and reflectors which are used for trapping light. Rather than needing to reflect the light the life within the desired direction in the process losing light and energy, LED make directing light in the direction that you want it easy. That is why it is highly recommended to use LEDs for task lighting, uplighting and recessed downlighting.

We recommend that you use LEDs to replace most of your bulbs, including undercabinet lights, lamps, track lights, recessed fixtures, security lighting and outdoor lighting.

There are various colors to choose form, including motion, daylight and dimmable sensors. LEDs work very well in practically every fixture and area of your house.

So what is the difference between more expensive LED bulbs ($40-$60) and cheaper LED lights ($5-$10)?

Like TVs and other electronics, the more expensive and cheaper versions do have differences among them. For the best energy efficiency and light quality, you should purchase the LED products that cost more.

Light quality is measured by the Color Rendering Index on a 1-100 scale. Search for a CRI rating of 90 or higher.

Will enough light be produced by an LED replacement to replace my original bulb?

In terms of light output, LED light are quite similar to other light bulbs. However, you should visit a lighting store and see exactly how a space is light up by the LED light bulb.

LED lights are now able to replace an incandescent of up to 100 watts effectively.

Just how energy efficient is an LED?

LEDs are actually the most energy efficient lighting options that is available. The way that light bulb efficiency gets measured is by lumens per watt or how much the light output (lumens) is per power unit (watt). According to a U.S. Energy Information Administration report, the EIA is projecting that by 2020 LEDs will be producing over 150 lumens per Watt.

Traditional incandescent, by comparison, produce about 13 to 18 lumens per watt. LEDs currently produce about 83 to 100 lumens per watt, which is still the best efficiency available from light bulbs. There continues to be advances in LED technology in terms of energy efficiency, and also improved quality and color temperature.

Remember that the LED bulb isn’t the only thing determining its energy efficiency. That is because the bulb works along with the light fixture. How much electricity is consumed will depend on both the light fixture design and LED device. If a light fixture is poorly design it will comprise even LED devices that are the most efficient.

That is why it is so important that professional electricians be hired for designing and installing your LED outdoor lighting in Houston as well as your indoor LED lights. LED efficiency does vary by device. To find the most efficient LED devices search for the ENERGY STAR label. Staring this year, LED devices are available at over 100 lumens per watt.

When purchasing LEDs, what should I be looking for?

Always search for lights that an independent testing laboratory has tested and read the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing.

If you are going to use LED lights outdoor, be sure they have been rated for using outdoors.

Enjoy all of the Benefits that Outdoor LED Lighting provide

Lighting architects and designers prefer using LED for their outdoor lighting applications. That is because they prove arm white light without having to sacrifice lumen output.

Improve lighting quality and minimize energy consumption by contacting Robert Huff Illumination for all of your outdoor LED lighting needs.

LED holiday lights are available in a broad range of styles and colors, including globe lights, icicles, rope lights and twinkle lights.

For more information on outdoor LED options, call or contact Robert Huff Illumination.