Name: Better Electric
Address: US
Rating: 4.6

Better Electric provides a wide range of electrical services for commercial and residential clients in San Joaquin, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties. The company has the training and equipment to handle everything from panel upgrades to whole home rewiring projects, and it’s also known for its ability to troubleshoot complex electrical issues.Owner Tyler Bowers says Better Electric's approach to electrical work is centered on honesty and delivering real value for its customers. “We price each job for what it actually takes to complete, so if the client decides to go with us, they know they’re getting what they paid for. We also make sure all the work behind the walls is done correctly. Even if another contractor did something wrong, we always tell the truth about what we find.”Better Electric focuses on meeting and exceeding its customers’ expectations, regardless of the size of their projects. “If someone is spending their hard-earned money on our services, they deserve to get what they expect,” says Mr. Bowers. “Ultimately, we want our clients to feel completely confident in every aspect of our work.”

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Better Electric

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From ensuring panel safety and installing an EV charger to GFCI protection and smart home upgrades, these insights from Diamond Certified Expert Contributors will help you better understand your home’s electrical system, avoid safety hazards, and make informed decisions about repairs and improvements. Scott Mamola of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/service-champions-2/" target="_self">Service Champions</a> During the summer and winter, the need for cooling and heating your home requires larger amounts of power to be drawn through your electrical system. If you experience electrical problems like tripping circuit breakers or flickering lights, these problems will only be amplified during these hotter and cooler months, which increases the risk of overheating and creates a dangerous situation. So, don’t ignore electrical problems in your home—get them taken care of before they become a hazard. Aubrey Selfridge of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/ongaro-sons/" target="_self">Ongaro &amp; Sons</a> If you’re buying an electric vehicle, it’s important to understand your home charging options. A Level 1 charger plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet, but it charges slowly and may take more than 24 hours to fully charge a battery. Most EV owners prefer a Level 2 charger, which uses a 240-volt circuit and can usually charge a vehicle overnight. Before installing one, have a licensed electrician evaluate your electrical panel to make sure your home can safely support the charger and determine the best setup for your needs. Jerry Thompson of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/integrity-electric-inc/" target="_self">Integrity Electric, Inc.</a> A power wall can help keep your home running during a power outage by automatically switching to stored battery power when the grid goes down. Before installing one, have a professional assess your home’s energy usage so you can determine the right system size for your needs. Multiple power walls may be needed to extend backup power, support larger electrical loads or provide enough capacity to charge an electric vehicle during an extended outage. Joe Greenwood of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/greenwood-electric-inc/" target="_self">Greenwood Electric, Inc.</a> A tripped circuit breaker is often an easy fix, but mistakes happen, especially if breakers aren’t labeled correctly. Resetting the wrong breaker can be confusing and may even result in unnecessary service fees. A simple solution is to turn all breakers off, wait for the mechanical click and then switch them back on. If power still doesn’t return, it’s time to call an electrician. Miro Bokaric of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/bv-electric-inc/" target="_self">BV Electric Inc.</a> Remodeling a kitchen often means upgrading your electrical panel, especially in older homes. Outdated panels may not safely handle modern appliances or lighting, and they could even increase insurance costs. When upgrading, consider NEC-required clearances, arc fault protection and the possible addition of a subpanel for easier access or extra capacity. Involving an electrician early ensures your remodeled kitchen has a safe, efficient and properly configured electrical system. Gerry Reyes of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/aren-electric-co-inc/" target="_self">Aren Electric Co., Inc.</a> GFCI outlets are small but essential safety devices, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and other areas where water and electricity could meet. They protect against ground faults by cutting power before shock can occur. Most have a green indicator light that shows protection is active. To keep them working, test each GFCI monthly by pressing the “test” button and then reset. Regular testing ensures your family stays safe from hidden electrical hazards. Henry Acosta of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/california-power-and-light/" target="_self">California Power and Light</a> An outdated electrical panel isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Panels made by Zinsco, Federal Pacific and Challenger are particularly risky, as their breakers may fail to trip, leaving wires vulnerable to overheating. Checking your panel or hiring a professional for a safety inspection is essential. If your home has one of these panels, upgrade to a modern UL-listed panel to protect your home from electrical fires. Will Phinney of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/reyff-electric-inc/" target="_self">Reyff Electric, Inc.</a> Modern electrical upgrades can improve safety, convenience and energy efficiency without breaking the bank. USB and HDMI receptacles simplify device charging, media panels reduce cord clutter, and timers and motion sensors prevent wasted energy. Dimmer switches give precise control over lighting and ceiling fans, while modern smoke detectors with 10-year batteries enhance safety. Smart home hubs tie it all together, letting you monitor and control your system from a smartphone or tablet. Dan Pitcock of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/roberts-electric-company-inc/" target="_self">Roberts Electric Company, Inc.</a> Understanding your home’s electrical system is key, whether it’s a fuse box or a circuit breaker panel. Fuse boxes, which are common in older homes, require careful replacement when they blow. Circuit breaker panels are more modern and convenient—they trip instead of burning out, protecting your home from overloads and making power restoration easier. Using the correct reset procedure keeps breakers functioning safely and reliably. Brian Gerlach of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/avant-electric-inc/" target="_self">Avant Electric, Inc.</a> Before meeting with an electrical contractor for an estimate, take a few minutes to prepare. Write down the work you want done, along with any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss, so the electrician can clearly understand your goals and provide more accurate pricing. It’s also helpful to mention any previous electrical repairs or installations in your home, since that history may affect how the new work is completed and help prevent unexpected issues once the project begins. Dinh Nguyen of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/td-west-electric-inc/" target="_self">TD West Electric, Inc.</a> If your microwave trips a breaker, try resetting the GFCI outlet before calling an electrician. If the GFCI won’t reset, check your electrical panel for a breaker that’s sitting in the middle position, then turn it fully off and back on before trying the GFCI again. GFCI outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shocks and are commonly required in kitchens and bathrooms, so if one continues to trip frequently, it may point to a larger electrical issue that should be inspected by a licensed electrician.&nbsp;

From ensuring panel safety and installing an EV charger to GFCI protection and smart home upgrades, these insights from Diamond Certified Expert Contributors will help you better understand your home’s electrical system, avoid safety hazards, and make informed decisions about repairs and improvements.

Top Tips From Diamond Certified Electrical Experts

top-tips-from-diamond-certified-electrical-experts

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<a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/how-exterior-lighting-improve-your-home-and-garden/" target="_self">Lighting is a critical aspect of any landscaping project</a>, but for many homeowners, it ends up being an afterthought. However, to ensure a pleasing result, it’s best to be proactive about planning. Consider the following tips:&nbsp;
1. Choose a lighting contractor that understands your landscape. Besides <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/how-to-avoid-bad-contractors-blog/" target="_self">checking for proper licensing</a>, make sure you hire a lighting contractor that’s familiar with plant life and landscape design. If a contractor can’t name the plants in your landscape, they probably shouldn’t be lighting it.&nbsp;
2. Get your lighting contractor involved early. Most people don’t call a lighting contractor until their landscaping projects have already been completed, but getting yours involved early (right after the design phase is ideal) will give them a head start on planning.&nbsp;
3. Base lighting fixture choices on the right criteria. Choose a fixture based on what it does, not what it looks like. It doesn’t matter if a fixture looks nice in the daylight because you’re only going to see the light it emits when it’s in use.&nbsp;
4. Remember, subtlety is key. A key tenet of landscaping lighting is not to show the source of light, just the light itself. That’s why subtle sources like up-and-down lighting are generally a better choice than wall sconces, which can cause glare and detract from the overall ambience.
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Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Marin County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">San Francisco Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/napa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Napa County Electrical Contractors </a>&nbsp;
Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/resources/guide/electrical-services/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Electrical Services</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/how-exterior-lighting-improve-your-home-and-garden/" target="_self">Lighting is a critical aspect of any landscaping project</a>, but for many homeowners, it ends up being an afterthought. However, to ensure a pleasing result, it’s best to be proactive about planning. Consider the following tips:&nbsp;
1. Choose a lighting contractor that understands your landscape. Besides <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/how-to-avoid-bad-contractors-blog/" target="_self">checking for proper licensing</a>, make sure you hire a lighting contractor that’s familiar with plant life and landscape design. If a contractor can’t name the plants in your landscape, they probably shouldn’t be lighting it.&nbsp;
2. Get your lighting contractor involved early. Most people don’t call a lighting contractor until their landscaping projects have already been completed, but getting yours involved early (right after the design phase is ideal) will give them a head start on planning.&nbsp;
3. Base lighting fixture choices on the right criteria. Choose a fixture based on what it does, not what it looks like. It doesn’t matter if a fixture looks nice in the daylight because you’re only going to see the light it emits when it’s in use.&nbsp;
4. Remember, subtlety is key. A key tenet of landscaping lighting is not to show the source of light, just the light itself. That’s why subtle sources like up-and-down lighting are generally a better choice than wall sconces, which can cause glare and detract from the overall ambience.
<a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a>
Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Marin County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">San Francisco Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/napa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Napa County Electrical Contractors </a>&nbsp;
Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Electrical-Services/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Electrical Services</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

To ensure the best landscape lighting results, it’s best to be proactive about planning. Here are four places to start.

4 Considerations for Landscape Lighting

4-considerations-for-landscape-lighting

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Even if you don’t know the first thing about electricity, there are a couple of electrical issues you can solve without the help of a professional. Photo: American Ratings Corporation (2015)
Most people assume electrical work is best left to a professional, and for the most part, they’re right. However, in the instance of a power outage, there are a couple of things that even a novice can do to restore it. We’ve asked four current and former Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to explain simple steps homeowners can take to restore power to their homes and avoid unnecessary service calls.
<h2>How to reset a GFI</h2>
Due to the presence of water, safety codes require the electrical outlets in bathrooms and kitchens to be equipped with ground fault interrupters (GFIs), which protect against electric shock in the event of a “ground fault,” which is an inadvertent electrical path between a source of current and a grounded surface. When a GFI detects a disruption in the current, it immediately shuts off power to protect the user. This means doing anything from using a hair dryer in the bathroom to using a blender in the kitchen can trigger a ground fault and cause that outlet to lose power.
Fortunately, as Gerry Reyes of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/aren-electric-co-inc/" target="_self">Aren Electric Co., Inc.</a> explains, you don’t need to call an electrician if this occurs. In fact, all it takes to restore power to the outlet is the simple touch of a button—the GFI’s reset button, to be precise, which is located on the outlet itself. Once it’s reset, you’ll see the little green indicator light come back on, indicating that power has been restored.
Mr. Reyes also recommends testing the GFIs in your home on a monthly basis. You can do this by pressing the “test” button, which will trigger an artificial ground fault and cause the power to shut off. To restore power, simply press the “reset” button and look for the green indicator light to come back on.
<h2>How to reset a circuit breaker</h2>
Another instance where you can restore power to your home without professional help is a tripped circuit breaker. Chris Bennett of Bennett Electric, Inc. says you can tell a tripped breaker by its position: Like a light switch, a breaker will point up when “on” and down when “off.” To restore power, simply flip the tripped breaker to the “on” position.
This may sound simple, but in some instances, <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/diamond-certified-experts-home-troubleshooting-tips/" target="_self">troubleshooting a circuit breaker</a> can get complicated. For example, sometimes a breaker that appears to be in the “on” position isn’t. Also, circuit breakers aren’t always labeled properly, which can make it difficult to determine which is responsible for the outage. Joe Greenwood of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/greenwood-electric-inc/" target="_self">Greenwood Electric, Inc.</a> offers a simple way to avoid confusion: Reset all of your circuit breakers. After you’ve turned them off, wait until you hear a mechanical “click” and then turn them back on. By resetting all of your breakers, you rule out the possibility of mistakenly resetting the wrong one.
In either of the aforementioned cases, if power doesn’t return after you’ve taken the appropriate steps, call a professional electrician who can look further into the problem.
<a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a>
Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Marin County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">San Francisco Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Electrical Contractors </a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/napa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Napa County Electrical Contractors </a>&nbsp;
Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/resources/guide/electrical-services/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Electrical Services</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;

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Even if you don’t know the first thing about electricity, there are a couple of electrical issues you can solve without the help of a professional. Photo: American Ratings Corporation (2015)
Most people assume electrical work is best left to a professional, and for the most part, they’re right. However, in the instance of a power outage, there are a couple of things that even a novice can do to restore it. We’ve asked four current and former Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to explain simple steps homeowners can take to restore power to their homes and avoid unnecessary service calls.
<h2>How to reset a GFI</h2>
Due to the presence of water, safety codes require the electrical outlets in bathrooms and kitchens to be equipped with ground fault interrupters (GFIs), which protect against electric shock in the event of a “ground fault,” which is an inadvertent electrical path between a source of current and a grounded surface. When a GFI detects a disruption in the current, it immediately shuts off power to protect the user. This means doing anything from using a hair dryer in the bathroom to using a blender in the kitchen can trigger a ground fault and cause that outlet to lose power.
Fortunately, as Gerry Reyes of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/aren-electric-co-inc/" target="_self">Aren Electric Co., Inc.</a> explains, you don’t need to call an electrician if this occurs. In fact, all it takes to restore power to the outlet is the simple touch of a button—the GFI’s reset button, to be precise, which is located on the outlet itself. Once it’s reset, you’ll see the little green indicator light come back on, indicating that power has been restored.
Mr. Reyes also recommends testing the GFIs in your home on a monthly basis. You can do this by pressing the “test” button, which will trigger an artificial ground fault and cause the power to shut off. To restore power, simply press the “reset” button and look for the green indicator light to come back on.
<h2>How to reset a circuit breaker</h2>
Another instance where you can restore power to your home without professional help is a tripped circuit breaker. Chris Bennett of Bennett Electric, Inc. says you can tell a tripped breaker by its position: Like a light switch, a breaker will point up when “on” and down when “off.” To restore power, simply flip the tripped breaker to the “on” position.
This may sound simple, but in some instances, <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/diamond-certified-experts-home-troubleshooting-tips/" target="_self">troubleshooting a circuit breaker</a> can get complicated. For example, sometimes a breaker that appears to be in the “on” position isn’t. Also, circuit breakers aren’t always labeled properly, which can make it difficult to determine which is responsible for the outage. Joe Greenwood of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/greenwood-electric-inc/" target="_self">Greenwood Electric, Inc.</a> offers a simple way to avoid confusion: Reset all of your circuit breakers. After you’ve turned them off, wait until you hear a mechanical “click” and then turn them back on. By resetting all of your breakers, you rule out the possibility of mistakenly resetting the wrong one.
In either of the aforementioned cases, if power doesn’t return after you’ve taken the appropriate steps, call a professional electrician who can look further into the problem.
<a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a>
Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Marin County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">San Francisco Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Electrical Contractors </a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/napa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Napa County Electrical Contractors </a>&nbsp;
Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Electrical-Services/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Electrical Services</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;

Power out? These tips to restore power can help you save an expensive service call. Learn how to reset GFI switches and circuit breakers yourself.

Diamond Certified Experts: How to Restore Power to Your Home

diamond-certified-experts-restore-power-home

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When upgrading your interior lighting, a carefully considered design can help you achieve the desired effect. Photo: American Ratings Corporation ©2019
Interior lighting design isn’t as simple as it might seem. It’s not just about maximizing visibility—it’s also about creating the right ambience, optimizing functionality and <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/blog/overlooked-aspects-home-energy-efficiency/" target="_self">lowering energy costs</a>. Whether you’re remodeling your home or you just want to make a few upgrades, a carefully considered design can help you make the most of your interior lighting. Here are a few tips:
<h2>Provide light at all levels</h2>
One mistake homeowners sometimes make with interior lighting design is over-relying on overhead lighting. This is usually because they want to eliminate lamps and other ancillary light sources. However, this approach fails to recognize the functional and aesthetic roles these light sources play in the home. Just try reading a book aided only by overhead lighting—you’ll soon wish you had a lamp closer to eye level. And if you think overhead lighting can provide the same inviting feel as a decorative lamp or chandelier, think again.
The truth is that the best interior lighting designs provide light at all levels from a variety of sources. Ideally, you should seek to achieve a trifecta of ambient lighting (overhead lights), task lighting (table lamps/lighting for kitchen food prep areas) and accent lighting (lights that highlight artwork or ornamental plants). In addition, consider adding lighting to shelving, cabinets and organizational areas—the increased visibility can make these spaces more functional and accessible.
<h2>Choose the right bulb</h2>
Shopping for light bulbs can be a surprisingly complex and frustrating endeavor. Not only are there several types of bulbs to choose from, there are many technical parameters to account for. Fortunately, by learning a little bit about these variables, you can get a better idea of which bulb is right for the application.
<h3>Brightness</h3>
Bulb brightness is measured in lumens. As energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs and CFLs supplant traditional incandescent bulbs, lumens have virtually replaced watts as the new parameter for measuring a light bulb’s power. If you’re used to measuring by watts, refer to <a href="https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_brightness" target="_self">a watts-to-lumens conversion table</a> to help you choose the right bulb.
<h3>Color temperature</h3>
A bulb’s color temperature determines the quality of its light, which ranges from warm to cool. This is measured using the Kelvin scale; you’ll find it on the bulb’s label denoted by a number rating followed by the letter K. The higher the Kelvin rating, the warmer the bulb’s color temperature. Most standard interior light bulbs are 2700K, but you’ll get a more pleasing effect by choosing one in the 3000K-3200K range.
<h3>Color rendering</h3>
Whereas the Kelvin scale measures a light bulb’s color temperature, the color rendering index (CRI) measures a bulb’s accuracy in rendering color. This scale runs from zero to 100, with 100 representing optimum quality. A bulb’s CRI rating can also be found on the label, usually next to the Kelvin rating. Most standard bulbs have a CRI rating of 70, but you should invest in a bulb with a CRI rating of 85-95.
<h3>Light bulb style</h3>
A few decades ago, if you needed to replace an interior light bulb, you were pretty much limited to incandescent. Today, there many more options to choose from, many of which offer improved performance and energy savings. These include halogen, compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED). Halogen is known for its superior light quality, while CFLs and LEDs are designed for long life and low energy consumption.
These aren’t the only types of bulbs available. If you have a home automation system (more on this below), you may have heard of “smart bulbs” that can be dimmed or brightened via remote devices. Also, if you have a three-way lamp (lamps that allow for three sequential brightness levels), you’ll need to choose bulbs that are compatible with that function. <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/a27968863/light-bulb-types-buying-guide/" target="_self">Learn more about the different types of light bulbs</a>.
Overall, by accounting for bulb brightness, color temperature and rendering, and style, you’ll be able to pick the perfect bulb for every part of your home.
<h2>Optimize functionality</h2>
When redesigning their interior lighting, most homeowners are understandably focused on improving quality of light. However, few consider their options for improving their lighting systems’ functionality. By increasing ease of operation and minimizing energy usage, products like timers, dimmers and motion sensors help you to get more out of your interior lighting system. Will Phinney of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/reyff-electric-inc/" target="_self">Reyff Electric, Inc.</a> explains the practical benefits of these add-ons in more detail:
<ul>
<li>Timers. Timers help reduce energy waste in restrooms and other areas where the lights or fans can get left on. A timer can be set to switch off power within a span of anywhere from five minutes to four hours. You can also install timers for controlling your exterior lights and receptacles.</li>
<li>Motion sensors. Similar to timers, motion sensors help minimize energy waste by triggering lights to turn on or off depending on whether a room is occupied.</li>
<li>Dimmer switches. Whereas traditional light switches only have two settings (on and off), dimmer switches allow you to control variables like light level and ceiling fan speed. That way, you can always achieve a setting that makes you the most comfortable.</li>
</ul>
<h2>A step further: Automating your interior lighting </h2>
As the technology becomes both increasingly sophisticated and affordable, more homeowners are taking advantage of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/blog/home-smart-home-integration-automation-future-domestic-living/" target="_self">home automation</a>. One of the central applications of automation is lighting control, which includes the ability to operate lights throughout the home from a tablet or smartphone app. While this can be achieved through a store-bought smart hub, homeowners also have the option of a professionally installed automation system, which allows for a more customized level of lighting control. One example of this is scene-based lighting. Instead of turning on individual lights, you can choose from a list of “scenes” that are programmed to specific settings for particular activities.
Michael Martins of AC Electric explains how this might look in practice. “Say you’re going to cook dinner. You’d hit the ‘Cook’ button on your smart tablet, which would turn on the lights over your sink and counters to create a scene that’s optimal for food preparation. When you’re done cooking and it’s time to eat, press the ‘Dine’ button and the lights will readjust to the setting programmed for dining ambience. You can also create settings for entertaining, reading or watching movies. Basically, instead of fiddling with switches to find the right combination of lights, automation allows you to set the perfect scene with the touch of a button.”
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When upgrading your interior lighting, a carefully considered design can help you achieve the desired effect. Photo: American Ratings Corporation ©2019
Interior lighting design isn’t as simple as it might seem. It’s not just about maximizing visibility—it’s also about creating the right ambience, optimizing functionality and <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/blog/overlooked-aspects-home-energy-efficiency/" target="_self">lowering energy costs</a>. Whether you’re remodeling your home or you just want to make a few upgrades, a carefully considered design can help you make the most of your interior lighting. Here are a few tips:
<h2>Provide light at all levels</h2>
One mistake homeowners sometimes make with interior lighting design is over-relying on overhead lighting. This is usually because they want to eliminate lamps and other ancillary light sources. However, this approach fails to recognize the functional and aesthetic roles these light sources play in the home. Just try reading a book aided only by overhead lighting—you’ll soon wish you had a lamp closer to eye level. And if you think overhead lighting can provide the same inviting feel as a decorative lamp or chandelier, think again.
The truth is that the best interior lighting designs provide light at all levels from a variety of sources. Ideally, you should seek to achieve a trifecta of ambient lighting (overhead lights), task lighting (table lamps/lighting for kitchen food prep areas) and accent lighting (lights that highlight artwork or ornamental plants). In addition, consider adding lighting to shelving, cabinets and organizational areas—the increased visibility can make these spaces more functional and accessible.
<h2>Choose the right bulb</h2>
Shopping for light bulbs can be a surprisingly complex and frustrating endeavor. Not only are there several types of bulbs to choose from, there are many technical parameters to account for. Fortunately, by learning a little bit about these variables, you can get a better idea of which bulb is right for the application.
<h3>Brightness</h3>
Bulb brightness is measured in lumens. As energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs and CFLs supplant traditional incandescent bulbs, lumens have virtually replaced watts as the new parameter for measuring a light bulb’s power. If you’re used to measuring by watts, refer to <a href="https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_brightness" target="_self">a watts-to-lumens conversion table</a> to help you choose the right bulb.
<h3>Color temperature</h3>
A bulb’s color temperature determines the quality of its light, which ranges from warm to cool. This is measured using the Kelvin scale; you’ll find it on the bulb’s label denoted by a number rating followed by the letter K. The higher the Kelvin rating, the warmer the bulb’s color temperature. Most standard interior light bulbs are 2700K, but you’ll get a more pleasing effect by choosing one in the 3000K-3200K range.
<h3>Color rendering</h3>
Whereas the Kelvin scale measures a light bulb’s color temperature, the color rendering index (CRI) measures a bulb’s accuracy in rendering color. This scale runs from zero to 100, with 100 representing optimum quality. A bulb’s CRI rating can also be found on the label, usually next to the Kelvin rating. Most standard bulbs have a CRI rating of 70, but you should invest in a bulb with a CRI rating of 85-95.
<h3>Light bulb style</h3>
A few decades ago, if you needed to replace an interior light bulb, you were pretty much limited to incandescent. Today, there many more options to choose from, many of which offer improved performance and energy savings. These include halogen, compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED). Halogen is known for its superior light quality, while CFLs and LEDs are designed for long life and low energy consumption.
These aren’t the only types of bulbs available. If you have a home automation system (more on this below), you may have heard of “smart bulbs” that can be dimmed or brightened via remote devices. Also, if you have a three-way lamp (lamps that allow for three sequential brightness levels), you’ll need to choose bulbs that are compatible with that function. <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/a27968863/light-bulb-types-buying-guide/" target="_self">Learn more about the different types of light bulbs</a>.
Overall, by accounting for bulb brightness, color temperature and rendering, and style, you’ll be able to pick the perfect bulb for every part of your home.
<h2>Optimize functionality</h2>
When redesigning their interior lighting, most homeowners are understandably focused on improving quality of light. However, few consider their options for improving their lighting systems’ functionality. By increasing ease of operation and minimizing energy usage, products like timers, dimmers and motion sensors help you to get more out of your interior lighting system. Will Phinney of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/reyff-electric-inc/" target="_self">Reyff Electric, Inc.</a> explains the practical benefits of these add-ons in more detail:
<ul>
<li>Timers. Timers help reduce energy waste in restrooms and other areas where the lights or fans can get left on. A timer can be set to switch off power within a span of anywhere from five minutes to four hours. You can also install timers for controlling your exterior lights and receptacles.</li>
<li>Motion sensors. Similar to timers, motion sensors help minimize energy waste by triggering lights to turn on or off depending on whether a room is occupied.</li>
<li>Dimmer switches. Whereas traditional light switches only have two settings (on and off), dimmer switches allow you to control variables like light level and ceiling fan speed. That way, you can always achieve a setting that makes you the most comfortable.</li>
</ul>
<h2>A step further: Automating your interior lighting </h2>
As the technology becomes both increasingly sophisticated and affordable, more homeowners are taking advantage of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/blog/home-smart-home-integration-automation-future-domestic-living/" target="_self">home automation</a>. One of the central applications of automation is lighting control, which includes the ability to operate lights throughout the home from a tablet or smartphone app. While this can be achieved through a store-bought smart hub, homeowners also have the option of a professionally installed automation system, which allows for a more customized level of lighting control. One example of this is scene-based lighting. Instead of turning on individual lights, you can choose from a list of “scenes” that are programmed to specific settings for particular activities.
Michael Martins of AC Electric explains how this might look in practice. “Say you’re going to cook dinner. You’d hit the ‘Cook’ button on your smart tablet, which would turn on the lights over your sink and counters to create a scene that’s optimal for food preparation. When you’re done cooking and it’s time to eat, press the ‘Dine’ button and the lights will readjust to the setting programmed for dining ambience. You can also create settings for entertaining, reading or watching movies. Basically, instead of fiddling with switches to find the right combination of lights, automation allows you to set the perfect scene with the touch of a button.”
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Interior lighting creates ambience and functionality and lowers energy costs. Here’s what you need to know about upgrading your interior lighting.

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