Explaining Common Lighting Terms

Outdoor Lighting

When you’re shopping for new lighting fixtures for your home, it’s important to find the best fixtures that will reflect your taste in style and affordability. When exploring the different lighting options, you also want to be sure that the lighting you choose provides enough light to complement your surroundings.

Often when you’re shopping for anything outside of your expertise, you may hear different terminology that you may not understand at first. That’s where we can help!

Here are some of the most common lighting terms that you may find helpful to understand when shopping for new lighting:

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFLs)

A Compact Fluorescent Lamp, also referred to as a CFL, is a more energy-efficient alternative to an incandescent light bulb. Typically, they are used in any setting where you’d use an incandescent lightbulb. This can include table lamps, ceiling lighting, or recessed fixtures. If you are installing CFLs outdoors, make sure they are covered and protected from inclement weather conditions.

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Many families across the U.S. are making the switch to LED lighting because it can help cut power by around 80-90 percent. Resulting in reducing electricity bills and carbon emissions. One of the best reasons to switch over to LED lighting is that it produces a direct light source. LED lighting is great for anything that may need directional or spotlighting.

Color Temperature

Understanding the color of light will help you find the perfect lighting for your yard or home. Color of light is also referred to as Kelvin temperature (K.) It can be measured by looking at the light bulb’s color when it is illuminated. The higher number of Kelvins you see, the whiter and bluer the color output will be.

Lumens

The lumens measures how much light you’re receiving from a lightbulb. The more lumens you have, the brighter the light is. If your lumens are low, you likely have a dimly lit bulb.

If you have questions on other lighting terms that we didn’t mention, or you’re interested in installing new outdoor lighting to your home in central Florida, we’re here to help! Please contact Illuminations USA at 407-880-0700 or email us at contact@illuminationsusa.com today!