Author: Dr. Bulb

Dr. Bulb here, with a tid bit of lighting industry information for you. Did you know that commercial and sports lighting sales increase during the fall? Do you know why?

The answer is actually quite logical. Starting in the fall months, it gets darker outside earlier. How are you going to play a post-dinner game of tennis if you can’t see the ball coming your way? You’re not. Will you feel safe taking your dogs on a late night stroll if walkways aren’t well lit? No. The solution is lighting, of course.

Another reason for the increase in lighting sales in the fall is that in states where it is too hot to play outdoor sports in the summer, the fall is peak season. Residents of southern states take advantage of cooler weather and generally better conditions during the fall months; and they need lighting that enables them to do so safely. Well-lit walkways lend themselves to nighttime strolls, and appropriate lighting systems for outdoor sports facilities like tennis and basketball courts make nighttime gaming a possibility.

Commercial and sports lighting fixtures can extend the hours of fun and safety well into the night. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that by introducing lighting it will be safe to walk around alone all night long, but it would certainly contribute to building a safe environment. Read about your options for sports lighting.

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
LINK NO LONGER AVAILABLE

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