Love of Lighting: Innovations in Illumination
Utility industry experts can rattle off facts about kilowatt hours, time of use rates, and the benefits of a balanced “fuel mix” without breaking a sweat. They can share countless energy efficiency tips and ways to save on your monthly utility bill without asking Alexa or consulting everyone’s internet bestie, Google. If you’re in the utility industry, it’s your job to know this information and keep abreast of industry trends. But like many familiar things, communicating about electricity can become stale, or dare I say, boring. Enter the wonders of the light bulb.
If you consider the humble light bulb with a fresh perspective, it’s truly awe-inspiring. When electricity was introduced to rural communities in the 1930s, a typical family was provided with a few power outlets and a lightbulb hanging from an overhead wire connected to a wall switch. But the power from this single bulb literally transformed lives and rural communities, and electricity was deemed “the next greatest thing.” Today, we can’t imagine life without electricity, and the modest light bulb has evolved dramatically. Lighting products and services are a thriving industry.
Combining Versatility with Energy Efficiency
Today’s standard light bulb is LED. It’s versatile and exponentially more energy efficient than a traditional incandescent bulb because it converts a higher energy level into light instead of heat. In addition, LEDs emit light in a specific direction, lessening the need for diffusers and reflectors that can result in energy loss. In contrast, the original incandescent bulbs emit light in all directions, requiring more components to direct the light where needed.
Effectively illuminating spaces in an office, factory, school, or home requires careful thought, and often, a lighting professional can advise on how best to light the space. Professionals can provide guidance on the types of lights needed for optimal use and help ensure a budget is spent wisely. Anyone who’s experienced a poorly lit workspace can attest that it’s not conducive to productivity. Incorporating high-performance task lighting that complements ambient room lighting can improve output. Ergonomic design can increase comfort in a workspace. Indoor lighting can feature voice activation and automation for hands-free control.
Motion sensors are a smart option for infrequently used spaces or to enhance security in outdoor areas. When lighting outdoor spaces and considering rugged conditions, weather-resistant systems, and anticorrosion materials, dawn-to-dusk lighting and supplemental solar-powered lights can offer smart and effective options. Battery backup for lighting systems enables illumination during emergencies and power outages.
Blurring the Lines Between Form & Function
In the residential realm, indoor lights set a mood and can influence how we live, work, and relax. Homeowners and interior designers appreciate the color-changing options of LED lights to set a mood or make a style statement. Consumers expect and enjoy many of the same innovative features that business owners employ. Available options include personalized lighting, energy-efficient illumination, and smart lighting systems integrated with voice assistants and smart home devices. Microlights and nearly invisible strip lighting that softly highlight collectibles, entertainment spaces, and artwork are increasingly popular. Innovative shapes and sizes blur the lines of form and function, in effect creating functional art pieces. Integrated technology enables homeowners to monitor their lights and track energy use.
Lighting has come a long way since the dangling lightbulb in the farmhouse. Combining technology with design innovation, you can choose from hundreds of lighting options to suit any modern lighting need. The humble light bulb has become a modern marvel.
