Author: Dr. Bulb

I, Dr. Bulb will be trying on a new hat. Today, you can call me Professor Bulb. I’m here to teach you a little bit about lumens.

The amount of lumens is one important consideration when shopping for light bulbs or fixtures. Lumens are units of measurement of the amount of light, or the level of brightness a bulb or light fixture gives off. The more lumens, the brighter the light. Previously, comparing watts was a relatively reliable way to gauge the level of brightness; but as more energy efficient options are taking over the market, comparing watts is less relevant. Understanding lumens is a far more effective way to compare lighting options today.

The level of lumens is an especially important consideration when shopping for LEDs. Many people believe LEDs emit a light that is extremely cold and blue. This is not always true. If you are looking for an energy efficient lighting option that emits a warm light, just look for LEDs with fewer lumens and a lower kelvin rating like these. Kelvin ratings determine the warmth or coldness of a light. The higher the kelvin rating, the less blue the light. Typically a light will start to look blue at a kelvin rating around 55 or 65. Many lights can be adjusted to different kelvin ratings and lumens. The best way to find the type of lighting to best suit you is by talking to a lighting specialist.

Contact: Dan Rodriguez, dan@accessfixtures.com or 888-521-2582 ext. 3020

When looking at bulbs, there are many lighting facts to consider. In addition to lumens, one can compare estimated yearly cost, life, light appearance and energy used. Keep up with the blog to find more “light reading” posts by Dr. (or professor) Bulb.

Learn more about all types of commercial lighting.

If you’re like me, Dr. Bulb, you may occasionally stress about the ever-escalating numbers on the scale. Well, do I have some fascinating news for you! A recent study at Cornell University has uncovered data that suggests changing the atmosphere of an eating establishment (specifically softer lighting, music and more comfortable furniture) may affect the volume of food consumed by customers (source).

Photo Credit:http://jaredlogan.tumblr.com/post/380382428/nicknames-for-fast-food-restaurants
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This study may have some interesting implications for the future of restaurants. The study showed that those who ate in establishments with softer lighting and a more comfortable environment consumed less food, even though they ordered approximately the same amount as in an environment without music and with harsher lights. This suggests that a restaurant that moves towards making a more cozy environment for their customers can reduce portion sizes, and leave customers just as happy and potentially even healthier than one that maintains less comfortable atmosphere.

There are many different types of light fixtures that can help achieve a soft, warm environment. Learn more about your lighting options.

Ok, maybe that title is a bit of an exaggeration…but this is still pretty cool.

Starbucks has a company-wide goal to reduce their energy consumption by a whole 25%. In addition to this reduction goal, Starbucks aims to meet certain LEED  requirements. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, “LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.” If you ask me, this seems like a huge goal for a company as big as this behemoth.

Do you want to know how they’re tackling this challenge? LEDs, of course!

Photo Credit: http://www.greenbuildingsnyc.com/2011/11/30/retro-broadway-lighting-at-high-tech-flagship-starbucks-in-times-square-powered-by-leds/
LINK NO LONGER AVAILABLE

In order to meet their goals, Starbucks has been working with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the lighting design firm Focus Lighting. The design team chose 73 PAR30 lamps and 55 MR16 lamps from LED Source and Toshiba that result in up to 80% less energy use and can also last 20 times longer than halogen bulbs. The Times Square Starbucks in the photo above is one of the many Starbucks locations undergoing changes to help make this goal a reality. Here’s to meeting your goals, Starbucks. The future of this planet will likely benefit from your energy do-goodings.

Could you use some good karma? Learn more about energy-saving LED options for your projects.

– Your fellow lighting enthusiast, Dr. Bulb

Dr. Bulb here, your friendly neighborhood lighting specialist/superhero! What qualifies me as a superhero you may ask? Well, according to a recent study by the Campbell Collaboration, a reputable research institution, properly placed lighting in common spaces can reduce incidents of crime.

Photo Credit: http://www.adventure-life.com/lodging/ceiba-tops-lodge-966/

The Campbell Collaboration has confirmed that the amount of crimes decreased by a whole 21% in areas that underwent street lighting improvements, compared to comparable areas that did not. The decrease is thought to be caused by improved nighttime visibility and increased community pride. Improving the lighting in a common space is both beautiful and practical; it can help decrease criminal incidents in your area and add to aesthetic enjoyment.

There are many ways to improve the lighting in an area or walkway. Bollard lights are great for non-glare lighting that illuminates pathways without inhibiting eye-level sight. Looking to flood light over a side or back yard? Wall packs are the way to go. They are great for eliminating or reducing low-lit spaces in large areas.

While I hope you are excited about the opportunity to improve lighting and reduce crime, let me add in a note of caution. Choosing the wrong type of light fixture, or placing it improperly can do more harm than good. It is possible to increase glare and create blind spots, which would have an opposite effect on safety. Working with a lighting professional, like me and all of us here at Access Fixtures, is extremely important when considering any lighting project. While we do not guarantee that improving lights in your area will decrease crime, there are several studies that show that there is most likely a correlation between better lighting and lower criminal incidents. 

Learn more about your lighting options here!