Are you tired of wasting time replacing dead bulbs?
We’ve all been there. It’s always at the worst times when light fixtures seem to go dark. You climb up the ladder one more time… only to realize you don’t have the right size bulb in stock.
But there’s good news.
You don’t have to deal with those issues anymore. Low-maintenance lighting is available and it can save you hours of time every year.
Here’s the thing…
When you setup the correct low-maintenance lighting, your lighting practically maintains itself. Upgrade your bulbs and use smart controls so you never have to touch the switch again for years.
Let’s take a look.
What You’ll Learn
- Why Low-Maintenance Lighting Is Important
- 3 Types of Low-Maintenance Lighting
- Smart Lighting Controls That Save Time
- How To Choose The Best Products
Why You Should Care About Low-Maintenance Lighting
Who has the time?
Scrolling through online forums complaining about your lights keeps your light bulbs from working. Neither of those things are how you want to spend your free time.
That’s where low-maintenance lighting comes in. As you’ll learn light designed with these two criteria in mind:
Longevity: How long does the light last?
Controls: How easy are the lights to operate?
Last longer. Reduce maintenance. Simple right?
Except that lighting in your home likely makes up about 15% of your electricity bill. And the average homeowner saves about $225 per year by using LED lighting. Savings that could go right back in your pocket.
But low-maintenance lighting can help you save even more than money…
Imagine having one less thing to stress over. When your lighting doesn’t go out on you in the middle of dinner, you won’t have to. Buy Lighting fixtures and set up your smart-home so you free-up more time for what’s important to you.
Ready to browse modern lighting at your local lighting products store? Let’s discover what low-maintenance lighting is and how you can start benefiting from it today.
3 Types Of Low-Maintenance Lighting
Low-maintenance lighting comes in many different forms. However, not all types are created equally when it comes to your time.
Here’s what you should know…
LED Light Bulbs
Light-emitting diode bulbs have changed the game when it comes to how we light our homes. The major difference with LEDs is they use a newer solid-state lighting technology.
Unlike your traditional Edison bulb, these bulbs do not simply “burn out.”
LEDs consume 75% less energy, on average, than their incandescent counterparts. What’s more is they last at least 25 times longer according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Translation: A bulb that lasts 25,000 hours would work for over 20 years if you used it for 3 hours a day.
Benefits of LED lighting include:
- They instantly turn on to full brightness
- Much more durable – less breakage
- Contains no mercury or other toxic elements
- Functions well in extreme temperatures.
Unlike traditional incandescent lighting, LEDs do not produce a lot of heat. In fact, incandescent light produces roughly 90% heat while LEDs give most of their energy to lighting.
Integrated LEDs
Want less maintenance? Say hello to integrated LED light fixtures.
These fixtures have LEDs installed directly into the product during the manufacturing process. You’ll never have to worry about another bulb again. When the light does go out, simply replace the whole fixture.
But how do they last so long?
Most integrated lighting is built to last. Look for products that have heat-management components and quality parts that won’t wear out over time.
You should only have to install them once.
Solar Lights
Outdoor lighting can be such a pain. Wires. Electrical costs. Programming timers.
Ok, ok. Those may be things you look forward to doing. But most people don’t.
Solar lights charge during the day and power on automatically at night. All that hassle? Goes away with solar lights.
Recent advancements in solar lighting technology have introduced LED lights that are paired with higher capacity batteries. Some brands even promise several nights of brightness, even if you live in a state with less sunny days.
Smart Lighting Controls To Save You Time
Bulbs are only one part of the equation. Smart home light controls are another way to save time and keep your sanity.
Here’s where they come into play…
Lights with Automated Scheduling
Your smart lights don’t have to operate manually (okay, most don’t). Set your bulbs to turn on before sunrise and off after everyone leaves the house.
That’s right. You can walk away every morning without touching a switch. Getting ready for bed and realize you left the kitchen lights on? Who cares. Just leave them be and use your smart-home app to turn them off when you’re done.
Motion Activated Lights
Motion sensor lights are another low-maintenance feature. These bulbs only turn on when the sensor is triggered.
By turning off when they’re not needed, your bulbs will also last longer since they aren’t constantly in use.
Motion sensors are great for:
- Stairs and hallways
- Closets and pantry
- Garages and basements
- Outdoor motion detector lights
Old sensor technology was hit or miss. But today’s sensors are much more precise, meaning less false triggers by pets or passing cars.
Voice Activated Lights
Believe it or not, you can now control your lights with your voice. Yes, you heard that right. All you do is link your smart lighting controls to your favorite voice assistant and you’re ready to go.
Heading into a dark room with your hands full? Just voice command your lights to turn on. Sitting in bed and realized you forgot to turn off the kitchen light? Just use your voice.
How Do You Know What To Buy?
Here’s the truth. Don’t over-complicate things. Keep these tips in mind when searching for your ideal low-maintenance light.
Choose products with quality ratings. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products.
Check the warranty. Good brands stand behind their product. A longer warranty can mean a better quality light bulb or fixture.
Think about your entire system. Sometimes spending a little more money on an integrated system can save you money over time. Cheap bulbs that need frequent replacements will end up costing you more than buying a quality product that will last.
Make sure everything is compatible. If you have plans to link your light controls to a smart home system down the road, ensure the light fixtures will work with your chosen platforms.
A Quick Note On Installing Low-Maintenance Lighting
There are certain low-maintenance light bulbs and features that’ll require a professional installation. Integrated LED fixtures, hardwired smart switches and some outdoor solar lighting systems are some examples.
Hiring a professional to do the installation may cost you a little more money. However, if done correctly, you shouldn’t have any problems with your low-maintenance lighting down the road.
Bringing It All Together
Busy families don’t have time to constantly be maintaining their lights. Low-maintenance lighting means:
- Fewer dead bulbs
- Save you money on energy costs
- Automated convenience
- Less hassle day-to-day
Start with LED light bulbs and build your lighting around that. Add smart-controls where ever you can and never worry about your lighting another.
The lighting industry has come a long way. Modern lightbulbs and lighting fixtures offer solutions that would have sounded crazy to homeowners just ten years ago.
So what are you waiting for?
Invest in your low-maintenance lighting today and start living better tomorrow.