• How is this space used - who cooks, bathes, works
  or plays in your kitchen or bath with you?
• What features do you wish you could have and what
  do you dislike in your existing space?
• Start an ideas File with pictures or sketches of
  environments that appeal to you.

              Thinking GREEN: What About Your Lighting !

We at Weiler’s Kitchen Design Center use various types of lighting systems in our kitchen and bath designs including recessed lights and the new “Energy Star” light bulbs. We have been very satisfied with what we use, but as to whether they are actually more efficient - that has been the question! We pride ourselves on being technically savvy and have been researching those new GREEN alternatives.

For many years we have been looking into the up and coming GREEN Lighting for your kitchen and bath installations. Until recently we had not found a specific system that does the job but while attending the many conventions, conferences and classes to enhance our design certification and expertise, we have been hearing about the LED Recessed Lights System.

Here are some highlights:

Cree LR6-LED 6” Downlight Module    vs    Sylvania EL-BR30 Electronic Compact Fluorescent

  12 watts                                                   15 watts
  650 Lumens                                              600 Lumens
  Color Rendering Index – 92                         Color Rendering Index - 82
  Lamp Life - 50,000 hours                            Lamp Life - 6000 hours
  No Lead, No Mercury                                 Contains Mercury - Hazardous Waste
  Instant On                                                 Takes a few minutes for full light
  No heat in forward direction                         Can cause radio interference


So, What Does This Really Mean ?

~ When mounted side by side and shining on a countertop you receive a much brighter and

   clear view with the LED Recessed Light which is much more appealing to the eye.
~ The Color Rendering Index is 92 - very few sources are rated this high with anything over 90

   considered the tops.  This means the reds are red, not purple and the yellows and reds are

   combined to refract a warmer and easier to view white.  So the colors appear as the colors

   desired, not as a muted interpretation!
~ They look similar to the 6” recessed fixtures used in kitchens today.
~ When used in a remodel there's no need for a separate circuit because they conform to code.
~ Because they last 50,000 hours, you may never have to change a light bulb again.
~ Best of all – they are only 12 WATTS and use much less energy.
~ The Bottom Line – you do save money and you do save energy and they are GREEN !


Now You Can Decide: Should We GO GREEN ?

~ To use the BR30 fluorescent lamps: the fixture is approximately $48, including the first lamp and you would need to purchase $117 worth of lamps over 20 years. Using today’s energy prices ($0.16 per kilowatt) one BR30 fluorescent unit will cost $120 for 50,000 hours of use over the 20 years period. Then you need to dispose of them as “hazardous materials” because they contain mercury (BR30 lamps are not green, but they are marked “Energy Star”). At least these lamps are 15 watts, which is better than the standard 65 watts bulb.

~ To use the LR6 LED lighting: the cost of the fixture is approximately $100, including the lamp. That may sound a bit pricey but consider that they are only 12 watts and that you won’t need to change a bulb for 20 years. One LR6 LED unit will cost only $95 for 50,000 hours of use over the 20 years period. Then to top it off, not only are they “Energy Star” they are GREEN and do not have to be handled differently when they are eventually disposed of!


Weiler’s recommends that spending the money today is a good investment for the future.  Come on in to our Showroom and take a look. We have installed the Cree LR6-LED fixtures and the Sylvania EL-BR30 lamps in our offices so you can compare for yourself!