November 2007 - Posts

• 5 Tips for Going Green

  Some easy ways that all of us can save energy and go green around the home: 1. Switch to CFLs - Compact Fluorescent Lamp bulbs have an appealing light, last longer than incandescents and cut energy use. So replace those bulbs!   2. Dim It - Adding a wall dimmer switch saves energy and extends the life of incandescent bulbs. Plus it looks cool when you dim the lights.    3. Swap Light Bulbs - Simply going to a lower wattage bulb saves energy. In outside lighting, most people over-lamp; by switching from, say, a 75 to a  40 watt bulb, you'll still have plenty of light.   4. Go ENERGY STAR - These fixtures and ceiling fans have been certified by the EPA for their energy efficiency. There are more looks and styles than ever.   5. Add Solar - Solar landscape lighting has come a long way. The new designs are ideal for accenting garden pathways or walkways. What do you think? What are some other ways to go green with lighting? Published: 11-15-2007 By John no comments

• Roland Simmons Table Lamps

  Ooohhh! That was our first reaction on seeing these luminous new lamp designs. By Wyoming-based designer Roland Simmons, each lamp features hand-cut parchment shades and contemporary profiles. Available in several shapes and shades of colors, they're perfect for giving a room soft, subtle light. View our entire Roland Simmons lamp collection. Published: 11-13-2007 By John no comments

• Holiday Ideas - Giclee Art Shades

  Our make-your-own giclee art shades have been featured online in the Better Homes and Gardens "Great Holiday Ideas" section. These lamps do make a great gift, or use them to get a custom decorating look for your holiday entertaining.  Just send us your images and we'll be happy to make a custom shade design just for you! Create your own giclee shade. Giclee art shade page on Better Homes and Gardens. Be sure to browse the Better Homes and Gardens gift section for neat gift ideas for gardeners, pet lovers, crafters and more. Published: 11-12-2007 By John no comments

• Aging-in-Place Remodeling

  Our LAMPS PLUS Professionals Team attended the 2007 Remodeling Show this past month in Las Vegas. They reported that there are still areas of growth within the remodeling sector. Aging-in-place remodels, which increase ease of accessibility and control for those with decreased dexterity, are becoming increasingly popular. You can read more about remodeling for independent living throughout the later years at washingtonpost.com or msn.com. Light Post! also blogged about this issue a few months ago in our post entitled Lighting for the aging eye. Published: 11-02-2007 By Susanna no comments

• Solar Decathlon Home Design Winner

  David Pogue's Circuits column in the New York Times this week is about the Solar Decathlon competition. Sponsored by the Department of Energy, 20 college and university teams competed to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house. The homes must be completely "off the grid" and able to operate a full-range of home appliances and lighting. There is a photo gallery of all the designs online, including the winner by Technische Universität Darmstadt in Germany . Check them out; these may be the wave of the future! Published: 11-01-2007 By John no comments

• How Dimmers Save Energy

  Do dimmers really save on energy use? Many consumers, and even a few electricians, think that dimmers work by converting unused electricity to heat at the dimmer switch. It's true that many old rotary dimmers worked this way; they were rheostats that took the excess energy when dimmed and converted it to heat. Today’s dimmers use a “Triac Switch”. When dimmed, these switches cut the flow of power to a light fixture up to 120 times a second. While the circuit is switched on and off many times a second, the human eye and brain don’t register this flickering. What we see is a constant light output. And dimmers do save. Dimming your lights an average of 50 percent can cut your electric use a whopping 40 percent over time and make your bulbs last 20 times longer.  Published: 11-01-2007 By John 11 comment(s)