The search for commercial lighting systems can be confusing, misleading, and overwhelming at times. With all of the different terms, labels, and technologies being used how can anyone expect you to make any decisions with all of that going on?

Well, this post is going to at least relieve your confusion about DesignLights Consortium vs EnergyStar approved and qualified lighting products. There is a difference, and you need to be well aware of what it is when you are looking into a new lighting system for commercial Click here to read it, then come back to finish the rest (opens in a new window)!

The major difference between DLC and EnergyStar is that DLC is only for commercial lighting products while EnergyStar is more focused on residential purposes and applications, with a minor hint of commercial lighting in there as well. This makes DLC the more “go to” organization when it comes to commercial lighting qualifications as they are seen as the experts on commercial lighting products and technologies.

Anyways, when it comes to becoming EnergyStar qualified for a lighting product, a product needs to pass these (along with others) guidelines to be able to be EnergyStar qualified:

Conclusion

After this quick, simple, and brief overview of the differences between EnergyStar and DLC; we hope you’ve found some light on the topic (get it, light).

In a general sense, most of your commercial lighting purchases will include DLC qualified products, especially when buying for warehouses, factories, parking lots, street lights, and the like all except for those listed.

Are you confused on any point? Have any comments or questions? Comment them below and we will surely find an answer or response!

Time to fall back and re-adjust to a new light!  Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2nd and our circadian rhythms may be upset as we are forced to accept the darker mornings.

Don’t despair, a few simple tips will help make for an easy transition.  From landscape to living room, we’ll show you how to adjust your lighting design for the change of season.

3 Surefire Ways to Keep your Circadian Rhythm in Check and Attune your Light to the Season

1.  PERFECT TIMING:  Reset timers on outdoor and landscape lighting.  Timers for outdoor lighting should be set to go on after sunset.  Automated timers may be wall-mounted indoors or on transformers outside.  Newer systems may be powered to photocells which adjust light fixtures automatically for Daylight Savings Time. Photocells are activated by natural sunlight, so that lights will go as soon as it gets dark outset.  For the coming winter months–timers for outdoor lighting should be programmed to go on around 5 pm and shut-off around 3 am.

2.  KEEPING YOUR SPIRIT UP:  Many individuals experience a lack of energy and/or depressed mood during the winter months due to their decreased exposure to sunlight.  Adding daylight bulbs to table or floor lamps will brighten up your interior space and may help to keep your energy and spirit up throughout the day.

Frosted True Daylight lamps from Bulbrite Industries utilize neodymium to replicate sunlight to  help you “see better, feel better” and adjust to seasonal changes.

3.  STAYING IN TUNE TO THE NEW NORMAL:  Studies have confirmed that lighting our homes and offices in tune with our natural circadian rhythms is beneficial to overall performance and well-being.  “Tunable” lighting is the wave of the future.  From setting our lighting designs to be in perfect unison with our sleep-wake-performance schedules to illuminating entire rooms in our favorite colors, we have the technology to change our lighting design according to the season and the ceremony!

Visit with a professional lighting consultant at a Capitol Lighting showroom or 1800lighting.com for personalized attention to your lighting design scheme.  Keep abreast of the latest lighting news at 1800lighting.com.

Custom Electrical Services was voted by the community as USA Today Best Electrician in Des Moines metro.  We cannot thank our customers enough for taking the time to vote for us!  Winners were announced and presented by the Des Moines Register and the Des Moines Datebook.  Custom Electrical Services was also voted #1 for Urbandale and Johnston by the community.  Thank you Des Moines, Urbandale, and Johnston!