How to Make the Lighting in your Home More Energy Efficient

Why Should we be Concerned About Light Energy Consumption?

We use lighting every day and every night whether you are from the North Pole, Asia, America or anywhere else in the world, light in all forms is used for many reasons.  People use light for safety, ambiance, performing tasks, driving at night, late night construction, looking in a drain pipe for that lost piece of jewelry or countless other things.  Light sources come in many different forms from the kerosene lanterns used in rural villages in India to the high powered high pressure sodium highway street lights in Orlando, Florida

Anyway we look at it, luminous light output is an energy source that we have the ability to control with simple changes.  These simple changes start with one person and take very little effort at all.  Take this educated statistic in for example:

If every American home changed out just five high-use light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR Rating, each family would save about $60 every year in energy costs, and together we’d save about $6.5 billion each year in energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from more than 8 million cars. Said by Energy Star

This has to start with us as an individual. 

Energy Star Light Technology is Changing

Years ago fluorescent lighting was thought of as that draining office light that took all the energy out of you.  The problem is that the light sources were so efficient that that theory lasted as long as the lamps did.  Most of these older fluorescent energy efficient lamps have a higher Kelvin temperature in the high 4000Ks resulting in a blue toned, harsh and bright light output.  Most incandescent (most inefficient light source outside of fire) lamps have a warmer 2500K to 2800K producing a more intimate light output. 

Below is Kelvin temperature description:

• 1800K - Very warm - Candle or a clear sunset
• 2700K - Warm - Average incandescent lamp
• 3500K - Reddish white - Theatrical Lighting
• 4100K - Cool - Most fluorescent lamps
• 5000K - Very Cool - Clear Summer day light
• 7500K - Icy Blue white - Standing on one of our melting glaciers

Today fluorescent lamp technology is readily available in warmer tones matching the intimate incandescent light output color.  As well fluorescent lamps are available with dimmable ballasts that allow the user to reduce and intensify the light output. 

What Lighting Changes can You make?

By making a simple plan and a few simple lighting fixture changes you can help.

Let me first give examples of different types of light sources which are also called lamps or bulbs.  Annual energy cost is calculated at $.08 per kilowatt-hour.

• Incandescent light source - average life is about 500 to 1500 hours or 6 months to a year - this is the least efficient light source other than fire.  A 75watt lamp running for 2000 hours in a year would have an annual energy cost of about $ 18.00 and you would have already had to change the lamp.  Low initial cost.
• Halogen light source - average life is about 2000 to 5000 hours or 2 to 3 years - Halogen lamps are about 10-15% more energy efficient than incandescent light sources.  Medium to high initial cost.
• Fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) – average life is about 6000 to 10000 hours or about 3.5 to 7 years.  Energy Star rated light fixtures and sources must last up to 10000 hours or 7 years. Fluorescent light sources are up to five times more energy efficient than incandescent. Medium to high initial cost.

The steps below will show you how a few simple changes can increase the energy efficiency in your home.

First, identify the parts of your home where you use the most light.  Typically the most light is used in the laundry room, kitchen and bathroom.  Closets, home offices and breakfast areas use a lot of light but usually not for long periods of time. 

Second, make a list of the different types of light sources used and then the different types of sockets in the areas of the most light used. The two main types of incandescent lamp sockets are medium base and candelabra base. 

Third, if you do not want to change the existing light fixtures in these areas then most of the time you can just change out the regular incandescent lamps to a more energy efficient lamp (fluorescent or halogen lamp).  And or you can combine energy efficient light sources with dimmable light sources. 

Light dimming is also an easy way to extend incandescent lamp life and increase energy efficiency. By extending the lamp life you reduce the amount of times you need to replace the lamp. This reduces the labor involved in relamping and also reduces the materials used to manufacture new lamps.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are available with medium based sockets and candelabra based sockets. CFLs come in 3-way (low, medium and high light levels), dimmable and standard models. These CFLs are also now available in the 2700-3000 Kelvin temperatures to match the intimate color out put of the incandescent light sources. The cost of CFLs range from $ 6-14.00 and you can even purchase them at your local supermarket.

These small changes in your home can make major impacts on our Earth’s future.

Matthews Fan Company is Made in America

Matthews Fan Company is the home to the original dual motor ceiling fans.  The Duplo-Dinamico was the first model that owner Chuck Matthews started assembling in his Chicago, IL apartment building root cellar years back.  The Duplo-Dinamico fan design came from the San Palo, Brazil based company Gerbar Limited founded in 1963.  This design helped the Matthews Fan Company develop many other unique contemporary ceiling fans.

What & Where are the Matthews Fans Made Of?

Does Matthews Fan Co Make More Fans than Just The Duplo-Dinamico?

• Vent-Bettina 42" Dual Rotational Ceiling Fan
• Brisa 2000 40" Single Rotational Ceiling Fan
• Ar Ruthiane 48" Dual Rotational Ceiling Fan
• Bianca Directional Single 16" Directional Ceiling Fan
• Michelle Parede 19"H x 18"Proj. Wall Fan

 Whats new for 2007?

• Italo Ventania 53" Dual Rotational Ceiling Fan
• Jarold Directional Single 16" Directional Ceiling Fan
• Bruna Parede 22"H x 19"Proj. Wall Fan

Can you put a Light Source on a Matthews Fan?

Yes.  Tech Lighting a contemporary lighting company that specializes in Murano hand blown glass pendants and low voltage track systems developed a canopy that can be installed on some Matthews Fans.  The Free Jack Venus Canopy mounts to the Duplo-Dinamico ceiling fan or the Vent Bettina ceiling fan allowing you to use any of the Tech Lighting Free Jack Pendants.  This combination makes for a great contemporary look.

Lithonia Introduces New Marketing Concepts

Lithonia Lighting an AcuityBrands Company has introduced a new marketing concept for their new residential lighting line, Light Concepts.  Lithonia Lighting is the world's largest lighting manufacture and over the past 60 years most of their energies have been in the commercial industry.  This industry focused on builders, electrical suppliers and large commercial projects.  Lithonia Lighting has been successful in their ventures up to today and now has introduced the Light Concepts lighting line with some fun and innovative marketing strategies. 

Marketing Lighting through Education & Brand Awareness

After recently attending the Lithonia training seminar in Orlando, Florida I was educated on a lot more about lighting than just the Light Concepts Line.  These young knowledgeable leaders Mike Virag and Katelin Thompson began with the Lithonia Lighting story, facts on the new types of fluorescent light sources, then progressed into the value in energy efficient products and finished on how these products are a piece of the puzzle to our Earth's ecological survival. 

Lithonia's team also educated us on their website www.lightahome.com which displays all of their Light Concepts product and the recommended usage.  The LightAHome website has educational Energy Star info, press release info and spec sheets on all of their Light Concepts products.  It also has great recommendations on using specific products in certain spaces for maximum energy savings. 

The Light Concepts catalog takes on a fun green look.  Lithonia's young, new and fun ideas are all applied to this new product line showing their dedication to the future of energy savings.  Lithonia Lighting is leading the lighting industry in the energy conscious green movement. 

You can download the Light concepts catalog here in Adobe format.

The Majority of the Light Concepts Lighting Line is Energy Star Rated

Lithonia's new Light Concepts product line has a variety of energy efficient lighting for almost every residential application.  Light Concepts has achieved Energy Star Partner of the year award for 2006 and their Energy Star Rated Ferros complete residential lighting family earned the Lighting for Tomorrow award in 2005.   This new contemporary lighting concept will open doors for the Lithonia Lighting Company while at the same time conserve our world's precious energy consumption.

Light Concepts by Lithonia Training Schedule

• April 30^th- May 4^th: Vancouver, BC, Canada (confirmed)
• May 6^th-8^th: Conyers (confirmed) 
• May 29^th- June 1^st: Salt Lake City, UT (NOT confirmed)
•  June 11^th-15^th: Denver, CO (NOT confirmed)
• June 25^th-29^th: Alberta, Canada (NOT confirmed)
• July 16^th-20^th: Chicago, IL (NOT confirmed)
• August 6^th-10^th: San Diego/LA, CA (NOT confirmed)
• August 20^th-24^th: Dallas, TX (NOT confirmed)
• October 8^th-12^th: Seattle, WA (NOT confirmed)

I believe education to be one of the best forms of marketing so we hope to see you at one of the next Lithonia training seminars.  Leave a comment if you are interested in attending any of the above seminars.

Hunter Fan Company Changes Ownership Again!

On April 16, 2007 in New York MidOcean Partners announced the acquisition of the Hunter Fan Company from Lehman Brothers Merchant Bank.  MidOcean Partners is a premier private equity firm with offices in New York and London decided that the Hunter Fan Company would be a wise addition to their porfolio. 

This acqusition also includes Casablanca Fan Company, as a wholly owner subsidiary of Hunter Fan, Casablanca Fans will have a new majority shareholder as well, MidOcean Partners.

Hunter Fans will continue to operate independently

Over the past 120 years, Hunter has become the leader in designing, engineering and distributing mid to premium grade ceiling fans under the well known Hunter Brand.  The Hunter Fan Company has introduced decorative lamps, fountains and lighting fixtures sold under the Hunter and Kenroy labels and a growing line of Hunter home comfort products such as air purifiers, humidifiers and thermostates.  Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee the Hunter Fan Company will continue to operate as an independant company, headed by their outstanding management team.

Who is MidOcean Partners?

MidOcean Partners is a premier private equity firm focused on the middle market.  Based in New York and London, MidOcean is committed to investing in high quality companies with stable market positions and multiple opportunities for growth in United States and Europe.  Their target markets include consumer and leisure, media and communications, business and financial services and industrials.  MidOcean utilizes a broad foundation of expertise in its focus industries and its transatlantic platform to create value for its investors and partners.

What was Said About the Hunter Fan Deal?

Rob Sharp, a Partner at MidOcean Partners, said "We are extremely pleased to partner with the Hunter management team to continue to grow the business.  Hunter Fan Company is the dominant brand providing high quality ceiling fans and other home comfort products to the consumer.  With its focus on quality and product innovation, we believe that Hunter Fan Company is uniquely positioned for growth.  In addition, we are excited about the opportunities resulting from the growing consumer awareness and emphasis on Energy Star energy efficient products."

"Over the past three years, Lehman Brothers has been a great partner for the Hunter Fan Company, supporting us as we invested in new products and new products and new product categories and delivering all the resources and expertise a global financial institution has to offer,"  said Robert E. Beasley, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Hunter Fan Company. 

Robert E. Beasley, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Hunter Fan Company said, "MidOcean's investment in the Hunter Fan Company is a recognition of the successes we have had in building business over the past three years and our mutual confidence in the significant growth potential for Hunter in the future.  We are excited about our new partnership with MidOcean as we enter into the next phase of our growth strategy."

2007 National-Dark Sky Week Celebration

Light pollution is a continuing problem around the world, as populations continue to grow, so does every night light pollution.  The glow from outdoor lights take that prescious view of our stars away from astronomers and romantics.  This over glow of outdoor light wastes energy, changes the natural cycle of nocturnal animals and has the potential to cause health problems.

This event was founded in 2003 by Jennifer Barlow and this is the fifth annual National Dark-Sky Week that is taking place right now April 17-24.  Also endorsed by the International Dark-Sky Assosiation, American Astronomical Society, and the Astronomical League.  The National Dark-Sky Week wants to reduce light pollution by educating our population of better outdoor lighting practices.

Jennifer Barlow observes that "National Dark-Sky Week is a great opportunity to dust off the old telescope from the attic and share in the wonder of the universe that has been part of the human tradition for thousands of years."

What Problems Happened on a Contemporary Lighting Install

Tech Lighting Monorail Track System Turned out Great!

The three Tech Lighting track systems turned out awesome after we worked through a standoff size problem.  On one of the track systems we were not able to mount the transformer flush to the ceiling because we were not able to chip out a space for the mounting T-Bar in the concrete slab.  Our solution was to cut longer stems for the standoff anchors.  This problem was solved fairly quickly and the low voltage track system ended up turning out awesome.

The Eurofase Lighting Fixtures had some small Issues

 The Foyer Lighting Fixture Exchange

The Eurofase Folie fixture turned out great with no issues except for the missing instruction manual.  Originally the Folie fixture was hung in the foyer but it seemed to be taking away from the fixture due to the recessed tray ceiling.  So, we put it in the office where the ceiling was naked allowing the full appreciation of this highly structural light fixture. 

The foyer replacement fixture was the Tech Lighting Aria ceiling.  This worked out perfect because the Aria has bendable arms that allowed us to make up for the off centered junction box with in the deep tray ceiling. 

Lighting that was Heating up the Kitchen

The Eurofase Metafisica lighting Fixture complimented the kitchen space perfectly.  They had a recessed tray ceiling in the shape of a off centered pentagon.  This made the fixture selection tough but it worked out in the end.  We also changed out the recessed trims that had incandescent R20 bulbs and a boring white baffle to a Halogen PAR bulb and brushed aluminum trim.  This made a bright difference.

The Terzani Dining Room Fixtures

The Terzani Adele suspension fixture for over the dining table is gorgeous but we could not hang it this $ 1,800.00 fixture was poorly packaged and one of the bulb sockets was crushed.  The light fixture has gone back for repair.  We did hang the Adele wall sconces and their shape, quality and design fit the space perfectly. 

There will be a final phase 4 of this lighting fixture installation and I will share the final images as soon as I get them.

Casablanca Fan Co is Introducing a New Motor

It looks like we will soon see a new ceiling fan motor technology by Casablanca Fan Company.  For a long time Casablanca's higher end ceiling fans used the XLP-2000 motor.  The XLP-2000 was invented soon after the first "Stator" Flywheel Stack fan motor was introduced to the ceiling fan market.  The XLP-2000 has been slowly perfected over the years to increase torque, silent operation and increasing communication with control technology. 

Just a couple of years ago the XTR-200 ceiling fan motor was introduced providing the ceiling fan industry with a new, Energy Star rated, more powerful fan motor than their competing ceiling fan manufactures.

Casablanca Continues to Improve the Ceiling Fan Industry

Casablanca Fan Company is planning to introduce a new motor technology coupled with a new control technology that will set a new standard for ceiling fan motors.  The launch of the new XLP-Plus is scheduled for sometime in the late summer of 2007. 

This superior motor platform will have the following advanced characteristics:

• Higher torque - Creating more air resistance utilizing 20 degree blade pitch angle
• Higher performance - Generating more air movement of 7,000+ Cubic Feet per Minute
• Able to handle up to 70"+ blade spans without affecting performance
• Increasing Revolutions Per Minute
• Lowering the Maximum Temperature Rise by 7.5%

Select Casablanca Fans to use the XLP-Plus

The XLP-Plus will be launched with Casablanca Fan Company's most well know models in the late summer of 2007.

• Barolo Fan
• Brescia Fan
• Metropolitan Fan
• 19th Century Fan
• Bel Air Fan
• Bel Air Halo Fan
• Commodore Vanderbilt Fan
• Mission Style Fan
• Ventura Fan
• Malibu Star Fan
• New Orleans Ceiling Fan
• Verrazano Fan

The Bel Air ceiling fans, Bel Air Halo ceiling fans and Mission ceiling fans will be introduced with both the XLP-Plus motor and the new Power Touch Control technology.  Casablanca plans on adding the XLP-Plus to the well known Panama ceiling fan and the Stealth ceiling fan by the winter of 2008.  This will be very exiting to see Casablanca Fan Company remain on the cutting edge in the ceiling fan industry.  The only question will be if their new marketing plan will educate consumers of these new hard to explain technologies? 

Lighting Memories of a Wonderful Man

Some Customers Give Us More Than We Give Them

We were the first people to have track lighting (the old type) in Orlando in 1980 affixed to huge cypress beams in our condo there.  Hughes Supply ordered them from NY for us; then no one knew how to install them.  (We were also the first people to have louver drapes in 1971, also ordered from NY) says Marcia. 

                                                                                                                           Les and Marcia

Les and Marcia first went to Stacey Lipton Interiors and she referred them to Del Mar Designs for there low voltage track system design.  This was soon after purchasing their new ocean view in Daytona Beach, Florida.  It was a delight to begin working with the charismatic Marcia and the crumpled and smiling Les, the duo brought a smile to me at every meeting.  The pendant they were first drawn to was the Tech Lighting Gem this pendant has a number of different colored glass pieces embedded in its design.  This matched there eclectic collections of orange juicers and vintage Tonka Trucks. 

The Tech Lighting Design Takes Place

Les and Marcia began trying to figure out how they could layout their track system to compliment their space with out obstructing their view.  For these Low Voltage track systems Del Mar Designs always sends a lighting designer out to review the space. 

What a fun space we had to work with, it was so colorful and full of life, you could tell this couple had been collecting items all over for this place for decades.  Says Colby Harris Del Mar Designs Lighting Designer.

They originally started out with a "U" shaped design, then they revised it to an "H" shaped design, finally they all agreed that a wavy shape through out the living space would be the best.  This wavy shape complimented the ocean and cabinet handles, contrasted the square shaped room and was able to add functional lighting were they needed it.  With the design confirmed Del Mar Designs began the order process.  Everyone seemed happy and excited to get the job started. 

The Tech Lighting Install Begins

Del Mar's Lighting Designer and installer went out to the site one calm Saturday Morning with a drawing, tools and all of the parts and pieces for the job.  The installation began smoothly with no problems at all.  This was a little out of the ordinary because this wavy shape took place over different floor surface heights.  Usually when laying out a track it is done by laying the track out on the floor and laser plumb bobbing where the anchors will go in the ceiling.  We could not do it this way because the system traveled over a fixed sitting bench.  So, we had to take educated guesses on where the anchors would go.  This usually leads to mistakes but, the job went very smooth you could tell we were in a place of good karma. 

Lighting the Memories of a Great Man

Before leaving that Saturday afternoon Les and Marcia were trying to decide which other pendants would fit the space other than the Blue Gem and the Crystal Bedazzled that were hanging.  The last thing that Les and Marcia talked about that night was getting the White Gem Pendant to add to their lighting system. 

The following day Marcia experienced great heartache when realizing that Les had passed in his sleep.  It is so sad to see the most important people in our lives pass on to their new place in the world of life and I am sure that Les was needed in a place that we do not yet understand.  He smiled, laughed and always had something nice to say.  These two friends touched me as only a few people have.  I will never forget how we were given the chance to meet Les and experience his humble happy idea of life before his passing. 

This was written in his memory

the given power of our freedom
all about every moments choice
opening her door we are a gift
light the day to bring us were we are
choose our decisions for consequence
consume what makes us see for ourselves
drive right on the road to success
listen who guides us right on that road
feel answers of truth in every moment
every touched hand allows us to breathe
create destiny for one who knows none
let God guide the path of our naked mind
pain is chosen by the one who does not choose
nothing is made without honest life
my life creates yours in the same soil
let our earth be our guiding light

                              Les and the Kid

All the memories of Les have been joyous and free. 

I am sure his seed of life was as happy as it could be. 

This post is in the loving memory of a man and a woman that became a friend.

Emerson Fan Company Offers Designer Services

Emerson Designers Create a Little Ambiance

Del Mar Designs was the first in Daytona Beach, Florida to receive this beatiful gift from Emerson.  Emerson requested some pictures of the showroom and then said "Don't worry we will take care of it." Emersons' designer team was lead by the well know designer Denis Caldora.  Denis is continually making his impression all over the lighting and ceiling fan industry by helping showrooms display products with passion and enthusiasm. 

Denis Caldora at Dallas Market Center

Before the Designer Experience

Before Del Mar Designs was introduced to the Denis Caldora experience their Emerson and Tommy Bahama section was "just a little better than plain" says Colby Harris.  The space was colorful yet it lacked the appropriate match for the Tommy Bahama fan style.  It did not take long to see the difference.      

After the Emerson Designer Touch

Denis Caldora's team came into Del Mar Designs, greeted the DMD team, took some measurements and got right down to business.  With some assistance Denis's main man Adrian and his team began taking down ceiling fans that were going to be in the way safely putting them out of reach from passing by customers.  They brought there own premeasured fabrics based on some inside information and began dressing the walls.  Then they assembled a few of Emerson Fan Company's 2007 ceiling fans for installation.  After about a total of ten hours the team was shaking hands and wishing us a fair well goodbye. 

Del Mar Designs would gladly invite the Emerson and Tommy Bahama ceiling fan design team back to provide any of the design service.  Over all it was a great experience.

Hunter Fan Company is Striving for a Higher Quality

The Hunter Name is Mass Marketed

Before I was introduced to the ceiling fan industry I thought Hunter made the highest end ceiling fan product that existed.  This was due to great marketing or was it?  After becoming more involved and knowledgeable about the ceiling fan industry, I realized that Hunter Fan Company does make a good ceiling fan, but in my opinion not the best.  They have mass marketed their products into many markets that do not appreciate the higher quality products and the prices that go with them.  They have marketed to the uneducated market.

The Hunter Prestige Ceiling Fan Line is a High End Product

Hunter's Prestige ceiling fan line seems to be a step up to what we are used to from Hunter Fan Company.  Hunter Prestige fans use their patented AirMax motor, furniture grade wood, hand carved blades, artisan glass and multi-step hand applied painting techniques. 

I think that Hunter Fan Company is trying to make a difference with the Prestige line and the product quality shows it.  Although, is the average Home Depot shopper going to appreciate a higher cost for a Hunter fan?  Are the high end showrooms going to support Hunter in their new direction after Hunter has already sold out to the home centers years back?  Or is Hunter going to invest in a marketing plan that reaches new heights?  With the right marketing commitment I beleive they can get there.