Did you know that compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are available in a wide variety of shades of white light? You can actually choose from a wide range of shades, ranging from yellowish to white to bluish white light, which allows you to customize the mood of your space. Many CFLs come in “warm” colors to match the yellowish light of incandescent bulbs, but you can also choose “cooler” colors with whiter or bluer light.
Color temperature can also be quantified using a scale marked in degrees Kelvin. Lighting can vary in color temperature between 2,000 degrees Kelvin (warm) and 9,500 degrees Kelvin (cold); the scale is derived from the fact that the light emitted by heated objects produces a spectrum, which changes as the temperature increases. Low-temperature lighting is progressively warmer (more red/yellow), while high-temperature lighting grows progressively colder (more blue).
Warm White–Use where skin tones and wood tones are important, such as kitchens, bathrooms and recreation rooms. Usually around 2700-3500K.
Cool White–Use where color is not as critical, such as offices, work areas, utility rooms, storage areas and garages. Usually around 4100K.
Day Light–The 5000K lamp produces a much whiter light more closely associated with sunlight. The advantage of this light color is that it increases contrast. Black becomes blacker and white becomes whiter. This lamp makes an excellent reading light, can be used in areas where precise tasks are being done, and is great in high bay lighting situations.
Oak Electric Service is one of southeast Michigan’s leading electrical and renewable energy contractors. If you are contemplating making energy improvements to your home, give us a call at (800) 964-7070. We invite you to visit our website at www.oakelectric.com to learn more about us and our renewable energy solutions.
