GE Light Fantastic Makeover – Are You Ready for the Changes to Come? #GELighting

With the flip of a switch, we created a beautiful new atmosphere while eliminating wasted electricity. By opting to embrace the new technology of compact fluorescent bulbs, I will use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs…so they say. I must admit I was sad to learn that within the next few years incandescent bulbs will be phased out. Did you know that 100-watt bulbs are being phased out during 2012 by the U.S. Government? Did you know that 75-watt and 60-watt bulbs are being phased out over the next two years? I was also more than a little skeptical that I would be able to see as well with the new CFLs as I have had some not so good results with fluorescent lighting in the past.

Layering Light

As an artist lighting is critical to what I do. I know that the secret to creating warm and inviting rooms is layering light, a technique where you  have light coming from a variety of sources–ceiling fixtures, table lamps, sconces, etc. Mixing the height and intensity of fixtures should wash the room with an even glow…the desired result.

Well, in our new little villa, the lighting downstairs is not so good. The great room area is just sad….a ceiling fan, two stories up, has no lighting kit with it.

The only light in this entire area is from the dining room chandelier (I hesitate to call it that) and the windows and sliding glass doors across the back.

Since this is north facing and shaded by tall trees, the light is intermittent at best. I have one table lamp on a painted chest between the two sliding doors…that’s it. Since the space is so small and my furniture so large…there is no room for more tables and/or lamps. Dilemma indeed!!!

I am determined to give this area a lighting makeover using different GE lighting: Reveal light bulbs in the chandelier, Energy Smart in the table lamp, plus a new floor lamp and some lighting on the bookshelves. We also have two other trouble spots…the hallway fluorescent bulb that HImself swears travels less than the speed of light and the stairwell light that must be on in order to run the ceiling fan in the living area…what’s up with that?

HIMself and I headed to Walmart {twice} to shop for and purchase GE Energy Efficient Light Bulbs and a new floor lamp to change the lighting and atmosphere in the downstairs of our home. It was an interesting and educational experience. Have you seen the options in lighting available today? It can boggle your mind…at least it did mine. See our experience in a slide show here.

To get you thinking about saving money watch this cute commercial…

The Makeover

Watch the makeover in progress… The result–our space is much more inviting and washed with a beautiful and warm light. We are thrilled with the environment and both of us are amazed at how we feel in that space now. We will be able to read in here at night…that is a great plus for we both are avid readers!!! It really feels like home now!!!

 

The room after the makeover by night…so warm and inviting…we will have many happy moments to share with each other, our family and our friends here…thank you GE!!!

The Savings Calculated

HIMself calculated our estimated energy savings of our new #GELighting using this calculator from GE’s website.  He estimates we will save about $138.99 per year and $761.60 over the life of the bulbs. I invite you to share your savings results and calculate your savings too! http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/products/pop_lighting_calc.htm.

Money and Energy Saving Questions and Tips

There is a $2 coupon right over there on my side bar —> just for you…but hurry it expires June 22.

Some things to think about. I was surprised at my answers. However, I do know the answers to these questions now. Do you equate higher wattage with a better light bulb? Do you believe that you can save money by purchasing and using “Energy Efficient” light bulbs? Do you believe that light bulbs last as long as the manufacturers claim they do? Do you know how to determine if the bulb you are purchasing is going to be light enough for the room you are using it in? Do you know the differences between an incandescent bulb, a compact florescent bulb (CFL) and a Light Emitting Diode bulb (LED)?

• Turn off lights when you leave a room
• Replacing 15 inefficient incandescent bulbs in your home with energy-saving bulbs could save you about $50 per year
• Visit http://pinterest.com/cbsocially/ge-lighting/.GELighting.com
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  Just for fun I have included some great old GE products I happen to own…

  

  

   

  I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and GE. #CBias #SocialFabric All opinions, ideas and photos (unless otherwise noted) are 100% my own. @GELighting