Green Lighting FAQs

• Fluorescent lights last a long time and use less wattage, but I heard these light bulbs are harmful to the environment. How do I dispose of fluorescent light bulbs?
  Lamp manufacturers often have disposal programs, and these days most communities have disposal centers. Ask your Wolfers lighting consultant for details.
• Which is better for energy efficient lighting – LED light bulbs or fluorescent light bulbs?
  Energy efficiency is all about wattage on your electric bill. Choose your light source based on performance and application. Both LED lights and fluorescent lights are good options for many residential applications – including decorative lighting pendants and sconces, under-cabinet lighting, cove lighting, and recessed lighting.
• Why are LED light bulbs so expensive? I’m concerned they’ll be better and cheaper in the near future. Shouldn’t I just wait?
  There’s no question that the product will come down in price or that LED lights will continue to improve. Just be certain that what you buy can adapt as lighting technologies improve.
• Can LED lights and fluorescent lights be dimmed? Do I need special light dimmers?
  Yes, each light fixture manufacturer will recommend the dimmers most compatible with their product for the smoothest dimming. To dim fluorescent lights with best results, the light fixture must have a dimmable ballast and a compatible fluorescent dimmer.
• What about the regular reflector floods I always use in my recessed downlights (also known as recessed cans)? How are they for energy efficient lighting?
  The standard reflector floods that have been used for years are only rated for 750 hours and typically use high wattages – 75 to 100 watts. Now compare that to 50,000 hours of lamp life for LEDs and 10,000 hours of lamp life for fluorescents. Even incandescent halogen light sources have at least 2000 hours of life in them. In fact, new energy laws will take these bulbs off the market in 2012, so it’s time to start looking for smart, green lighting alternatives.
• Does dimming reduce energy or just lower the visible light?
  Dimming is the easiest way to save energy. Keeping your lights dimmed 15% not only saves that much energy but also triples the life of the bulb. Bulbs love to be dimmed.
• I have always hated the color of fluorescent lighting. Has that improved?
  Absolutely. Fluorescent light bulbs have come a long way since the cool white or warm white choices. Also, the energy efficient light fixtures turn on instantly, with no more of that annoying flicker. There’s a wide range of colors in today’s fluorescent light bulbs, from a very warm incandescent-like quality, to a natural color that’s complimentary to skin tones, to as bright as daylight. Your paint color and fabric selections can all be enhanced with the proper fluorescent light color.

These are some typical questions that can come up when working on your lighting project. Our Wolfers lighting design consultants would be happy to help and we recommend making an appointment to discuss these or any other questions that you might encounter in the lighting planning process. Please feel free to visit our lighting showrooms or make an appointment today.