Good lighting is essential for creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in your home. Whether you want to set the stage for a cozy evening, or you need brighter lighting for a home office, understanding the basics of home lighting is essential.

Know the 3 Lighting Types

There are three types of home lighting: ambient, task and accent. Ambient lighting is designed to provide a cozy atmosphere with chandeliers and overhead light fixtures. Task lighting aids in specific activities, such as working from home, reading a book or cooking, and it is more focused. Accent lighting draws attention to certain characteristics in a particular area to enhance their visual appeal.

Choose the Correct Bulbs

For your lighting fixtures to work properly, you must select the correct bulbs. Fixtures take bulbs of various shapes and sizes. Choosing the incorrect sized bulbs can potentially damage your light fixtures, as there will be compatibility issues.

Consider Your Desired Color Temperature

Color temperature is measured in Kelvins, and it determines how warm or cool the light is that your fixtures emit. Higher Kelvins create a cool, bluish white light, and these are suitable in kitchens or home offices. Lower Kelvins, which emit a yellowish light, are well suited for living areas.

Determine the Number of Lumens You Need

Lumens measure the brightness of a bulb. Choose bulbs with the appropriate number of lumens to achieve your lighting goals. For instance, select bulbs with lower lumen levels for areas that require ambient lighting and bulbs with higher lumens for areas where you need task lighting. Pay attention to the number of lumens each fixture requires, and obtain the corresponding bulbs.

Use Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches are excellent for energy conservation. They allow you to decrease lighting output when you don’t need full brightness. If you want to cut energy costs even further, choose the most energy-efficient bulbs you can find.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Over time, lighting fixtures are subjected to wear and tear. To ensure they remain functional, have them inspected and maintained by a certified electrician. Maintenance includes checking for loose wiring and connections along with identifying potential problems with components. If the electrician finds any issues, they will work with you to remedy them.

Mastering these lighting basics enables you to create a well-lit environment that suits your needs and lifestyle. If you need help with lighting your Lincoln, NE home, our electricians at Ambition Electric are ready and waiting to serve you, so give us a call today.