Well Chicagoland, we all better make the most of our backyards while we can, because there’s something right around the corner that’s about to keep us all inside – and we’re not talking about the weather. It’s almost time to get back to school!
Whether autumn means you’ll be getting the kids ready to catch the bus or attending a few classes of your own, one thing every student needs is a place to study. You may be wondering why an electrician is talking about cracking books, but research shows that one of the most important parts of staying focused and alert while studying is the lighting!
Research shows that reading in a poorly lit room greatly diminishes the brain’s ability to process and remember data, so you could say a few good light bulbs are all it takes to set all the students in your home up for success. The big question is which lights are the right ones – Arnold Electrical Services is here to help.
Dawn Of A New Light
Soon, the bulbs available in your lighting aisle are going to start looking a little different. Thanks to new legislation, any light bulb sold in the United States must emit a minimum of 45 lumens per watt, which means a lot of the bulbs we’re used to seeing will no longer be available.
Incandescent bulbs – the kind that probably come to mind when you picture a light bulb pop up over a cartoon character’s head when they have bright idea – are officially banned. So are the ultra-bright and ultra-hot halogen bulbs. But don’t worry, there are still several options you can choose from to perfect your study station.
Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Bulbs
You’re about to see even more of the curly light bulbs that have become more and more common over the past couple of decades – better known as compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. And it’s a good thing, because they make a great option for any study station. CFL bulbs offer a much wider range of colors than the warm light of incandescent bulbs, giving you a great deal of customization.
CFL bulbs were designed to be more energy-efficient and only use one-fifth to one-third the electric power of a traditional incandescent bulb. They also last anywhere from 8 to 15 times longer!
Those benefits come at a higher purchase price, but over the course of the bulb’s lifetime can save over five times its purchase price. As if that wasn’t enough of a selling point, CFL bulbs are also recyclable after they burn out.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Bulbs
Another great option for a study station is a light-emitting diode bulb, better known as LED. LED lights emit a bright, directional light which makes them perfect for task lighting.
These are one of the most energy-efficient types of light bulbs, and can bring your electricity bills down even more – especially considering they can go up to 50,000 hours before needing to be replaced! Since they last so long, they’re great for out-of-the-way lamps that normally require a ladder or step stool to reach.
Arnold Electrical Services Lights The Way
If you’re not certain which kind of bulb is best for your study station, our experts are always here to help. When you sign up for our Good Neighbor Club, a one-time fee will give you access to our free annual system check, including complimentary light bulb replacement for as long as you’re an Arnold Electrical Services customer! Reach out to us to get started today!
