Home Lighting Guide
Illuminate your Denver home efficiently. Compare bulb types, learn lighting design basics, and discover smart lighting options.
Light Bulb Comparison
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Efficiency
80-90 lumens/watt
Lifespan
15,000-50,000 hours
Bulb Cost
$2-$15 per bulb
Annual Energy Cost
$1-$2 per bulb
Advantages
- Most energy efficient
- Very long lifespan
- Low heat output
- Dimmable options
- Instant on
- Many color temperatures
Disadvantages
- Higher upfront cost
- Some not dimmable
- Quality varies by brand
CFL (Compact Fluorescent)
Efficiency
50-70 lumens/watt
Lifespan
8,000-15,000 hours
Bulb Cost
$2-$8 per bulb
Annual Energy Cost
$2-$3 per bulb
Advantages
- More efficient than incandescent
- Lower cost than LED
- Good lifespan
Disadvantages
- Contains mercury
- Slow to warm up
- Not great for dimming
- Shorter life with frequent switching
Incandescent
Efficiency
10-17 lumens/watt
Lifespan
750-2,000 hours
Bulb Cost
$0.50-$2 per bulb
Annual Energy Cost
$7-$10 per bulb
Advantages
- Low upfront cost
- Excellent color rendering
- Fully dimmable
- Instant on
Disadvantages
- Very inefficient
- Short lifespan
- High heat output
- Being phased out
Halogen
Efficiency
15-25 lumens/watt
Lifespan
2,000-4,000 hours
Bulb Cost
$2-$8 per bulb
Annual Energy Cost
$5-$8 per bulb
Advantages
- Better than incandescent
- Excellent color rendering
- Fully dimmable
- Compact size
Disadvantages
- Still inefficient
- Very hot
- Shorter life than LED
- Being phased out
Color Temperature Guide
2700K (Warm White)
Cozy, yellowish light similar to incandescent
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
3000K (Soft White)
Slightly whiter but still warm
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, general living spaces
3500K (Neutral)
Balance between warm and cool
Best for: Kitchens, offices, transitional spaces
4000K (Cool White)
Crisp, neutral white light
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, workspaces, garages
5000K+ (Daylight)
Bright, bluish-white like midday sun
Best for: Task lighting, workshops, reading, art studios
Room-by-Room Lighting Guide
| Room | Recommended Lumens | Lighting Layers | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 1,500-3,000 | Ambient + Accent + Task | Use dimmers, layer lighting for flexibility |
| Kitchen | 3,000-4,000 | Ambient + Task + Under-cabinet | Bright task lighting over counters, 4000K recommended |
| Bedroom | 1,000-2,000 | Ambient + Task (bedside) | Warm colors (2700K), dimmers, avoid overhead glare |
| Bathroom | 2,000-4,000 | Ambient + Task (vanity) | Side lighting at vanity prevents shadows, 3000-4000K |
| Home Office | 3,000-6,000 | Ambient + Task | Reduce glare on screens, 4000-5000K for alertness |
| Dining Room | 1,500-3,000 | Ambient + Accent | Chandelier on dimmer, 2700-3000K for ambiance |
Smart Lighting Options
Smart Bulbs
$10-$50/bulbIndividual bulbs with WiFi/Bluetooth
✓ Easy retrofit, color options
✗ Need app/hub, cost per bulb
Smart Switches
$25-$60/switchReplace wall switches, control any bulb
✓ Works with regular bulbs, reliable
✗ Installation required, no color
Smart Plugs
$10-$25/plugControl lamps via plug adapter
✓ No installation, portable
✗ Only for plug-in lamps
Complete Systems
$100-$300+ starterHub-based systems (Philips Hue, etc.)
✓ Full control, automation
✗ Higher cost, complexity
LED Energy Savings
| Switch From → To | Annual Savings | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|
| 60W Incandescent → 9W LED | $6-$8 per bulb | 3-6 months |
| 75W Incandescent → 12W LED | $8-$10 per bulb | 3-6 months |
| 100W Incandescent → 15W LED | $10-$12 per bulb | 3-6 months |
| Whole House (30 bulbs) | $150-$300/year | 1-2 years |
Denver Lighting Tips
Xcel Energy offers rebates on LED bulbs and fixtures
Denver's 300+ sunny days mean great natural light potential
South-facing windows provide free heating and lighting
Use daylight sensors for outdoor lighting to maximize savings
Smart lighting can adjust for Denver's dramatic seasonal daylight changes
Consider solar-powered landscape lighting for outdoor areas
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