Federal energy initiatives push to inform the public on different lighting options for their homes and businesses.  The recent implementation of the Lighting Facts product label is possibly the epitome of this energy efficient lighting movement, as lawmakers continue to try to outlaw incandescent light bulbs.  One of the most important metrics on the Lighting Facts label is brightness.  Appropriately listed first on the lighting facts label, its purpose is to guide the consumers to making the correct purchase for their home based on sound principles.

For years, homeowners bought light bulbs based on their watt rating; with the understanding that the more watts that the light bulb was rated, the brighter it would be.  The truth is the relationship between watts and brightness of light output is rather indirect.  A watt is a unit of power, or energy consumed by the light source. A watt rating, as indicated on the traditional incandescent light bulb and on the lighting facts label, represents the amount of watts consumed by the light bulb in one hour of use.  If consumers want to buy a light bulb that will emit a certain level of  brightness, then they should buy a light bulb based on its rating of lumens. 

Building a shadow box wall can be done many different ways.  This guide will share step by step instructions to building the wall from scratch, and embedding the shadow boxes in the structure of the wall for a clean, unobtrusive finish.  If you are modifying an existing wall, supplemental instructions will be included along the way.



Before getting started, here is a list of materials needed for this project:

Total Cost:   $130   (Modifying an existing wall can be done for as little as $69)

While occupancy sensor controls were originally created for use in commercial buildings, their role in residential buildings is becoming more commonplace.  Many lighting companies have introduced automated lighting control product lines specifically for use in residential buildings and homes. These include occupancy sensor switches that have a sleek design that deliver proportional results to commercial counterparts, and cost much less.  While these use the same technology as passive infrared occupancy sensors for commercial buildings, they do not need to be as powerful.  The capacity of the controller does not need to detect occupancy by such an expansive measure because it is employed in rooms that have much lower ceilings and dramatically less square footage.  

In addition to the price tag, the design of these components also benefits as compared to commercial occupancy sensors.  The actual module can pack the required technology in a smaller clamshell that easily fits in a traditional wall switch junction box.  Manufacturers are also taking the initiative to offer decorative faceplates to match the décor in your home.  One company that seems to be doing all of this better than others is Lutron.