Traditional vs. Flourescent vs. LED
There's more to lighting than the fixture that you use. You also have to pick the type of bulb and lighting medium you want prior to installation. Residential options include traditional incandescent light bulbs, tubular flourescent lighting, compact flourescent lighting (CFL) and LED lighting. Commecial and industrial facilities, meanwhile, also make use of metal halide lighting (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting. Determining what style of lighting is right in your application is a combination of size, color, light-intensity and cost of operation. LEDs, for instance, can be a little more costly to purchase but have a very low operating cost and a very high life expectancy.
Few things are more annoying than having to rely on switch-controlled outlets for plug-in lighting (stand-up, wall sconce, or otherwise). The constant getting up and down can quickly get on your nerves. There are two ways to deal with this problem:
- "Smart" Plugs: These plugs let you retrofit your appliances to be compatible with voice and smart-phone control. Surprisingly affordable, they can fit into almost any wall outlet. Though "smart" strips exist, this option is best for singular appliances. Their portability also lets you adjust your placement to fix your needs. But, this option isn't perfect. First, while one of our electricians can hardwire these in for you, many homes lack the neutral wire that they require to do so. Second, their operation is dependent on your smart phone or voice-activated device. Lastly, they sit on top of your normal wall outlets and can take up valuable space behind the couch or table.
- Switch-Controlled Lighting: This is the more traditional option, and the one that most clients prefer. By running a wire to your existing light switches, we can make it so all your attached appliances can be turned off in one place. Dimmers can also be added to help set the mood. Unlike the pre-packaged smut plugs, this option is NOT something you can do on your own. So, if you're interested in making shutting the lights off as easy as flicking a switch, give us a call at (817) 847-7111 to schedule a consultation.