How Important Are Outdoor Fixtures?
Outdoor fixtures could be just as important as interior fixtures. Not only will they highlight your front and back yard space, but they will let you enjoy these outside spaces to its fullest. Exterior fixtures also help provide general and task lighting even before you enter your home. Many times outdoor fixtures get more use than interior fixtures because they stay on over night. For this reason, it is encouraged that you use energy efficient fixtures.
Often times, energy efficient fixtures have the stigma of being non-decorative and utilitarian, but the truth is that energy efficient outdoor lighting has come a long way. With the improvement of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), lighting manufacturers are now creating beautiful fixtures that are not only decorative but also conserve energy. When buying outdoor lighting fixtures look for the Energy Star logo, this will ensure that you are getting a higher quality of product.
Some of the benefits that are included with Energy Star fixtures that are normally not included with non-Energy Star fixtures:
- Includes the bulb - GU24-base which is very common bulb/ballast combination. This will ensure that your ballast can always be replaced in future years.
- Color rendition must be at least 80 - incandescent light bulbs have a CRI of 100, it has only been within the last couple of years that CFLs have reached a higher CRI measurement. In the past they were more in the 50-60s.
- Must have electronic Ballast - this means that your ballast will not hum and the bulb will light up without flickering.
- Fixture MUST have energy efficacy - this means that all ES lighting fixtures need to be energy efficient when measured against traditional fixtures.
The bottom line is that today it is possible to keep your home decor while helping to conserve the environment. Improve your home's look by changing out your older inefficient fixtures with one of our Energy Star certified decorative outdoor fixtures.
