Benefits of Using Recessed Lighting

One important upgrade during a renovation as far as home value has been the upgrade of fixtures while renovating. Sometimes, all it takes to completely renovate a room is to switch from a hanging light fixture to internal lighting. Recessed lighting has become more popular over the past decade for several reasons, one of which is recessed lighting, it makes the room bigger. We have compiled ideas from Santa Barbara electricians for your information. Let's be creative.

1. Room feels bigger

Built-in lighting makes the room look bigger because it actually takes up less visual space. Because the lightboxes are located inside the ceiling, nothing hangs down to disrupt the visual area of the ceiling.

 

2. Wall washing effect

Built-in lighting also increases space with an effect called "wall washing. " No, that doesn't mean you have to bring soap and water to the walls. Wall wash is a lighting effect that sheds more light into a room using the right tile (a portion of the light visible through a hole in the ceiling). Wall decoration includes a directional reflector and a light reflector that directs light to the wall. If, you have a sloping ceiling, you can use an "eyeball".

In order to really take advantage of the effect of washing walls, the internal lighting must be correctly placed separately from the wall and from each other. Recessed fixtures should be separated from each other at the same distance from the wall.

For example, if your ceiling is 9 meters high, it is worth placing the fixtures 2-3 meters away from the wall and each other. The higher the ceiling, the greater the distance. Then, direct the lighting towards the wall with directed reflectors and literally fill the wall with overlapping scattered light.

Final result? Built-in lighting makes the room look bigger and brighter.

 

3. Highlight something

The built-in lighting also sheds light on the wall, which you want to highlight for other design reasons. Consider recessed lighting if you want to highlight a wall bookcase, works of art or a special collection of some sort.

4. Color

There are also other benefits of recessed lighting. First of all, it comes in all kinds of colors (the trim and the lights and the reflectors) so they can be used to really upgrade a room in several ways. The casing for recessed lights also protects it from dust, children and mishaps, so it’s also a safer lighting option than hanging lights.

When To Upgrade The Electrical System?

 

Did you ever check on the condition of your electrical system? If you did, when was it? Most homeowners assume that different elements of the electrical system are working just fine as no problems occur. People will only worry about something when it actually happens. Well, just like anything else in life, electrical wiring and cables also wear out over time. Especially if the quality was sacrificed at the time of installation. So, when should you upgrade your materials? Well, there are three main scenarios. First, if a problem occurs. Second, as a prevention, if you live in an old house. Third, if you notice that you may be consuming too close to the limit capacity of your current panel or planning on doing so.

Bryson is an experienced Electrician Pasadena, and answered some of our questions in this matter to help us understand when it makes the most sense to invest in your electrical system.

1-    Signs of problems such as corrosion or rust

Corrosion and rust could be dangerous, especially if you see it on the circuit breaker. should be fixed as soon as possible. Think of your electrical panel as the heart of your home. If you see rust or corrosion it is definitely time to have an electrician check it out and most likely replace your panel. You may also need to remodel your wiring depending on its condition.

2-    Sound or heat from the electrical panel or outlets

If you notice any cracking sounds or heat coming from the circuit breaker panel, you can be sure that is not normal. The same goes for an outlet. Don’t ignore a problem like this,  call an electrician to check it out as soon as possible.

    3- Planning a major home remodel or addition

If you already know you are demolishing walls, drywall, or any other big home renovations, it will be a smart move to check on the electrical system. It may be a great opportunity to look into any upgrades and even new wiring circuits where it makes sense functionally. For example, a new light or a new outlet. If you are remodeling you probably don’t expect to remodel again for a long time, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to do it all at once. You will save time and money.

    4- Known problems from certain manufactures which are now disclosed

There are several panels from select manufacturers who have raised concerns over the years as some have burnt due to deficiencies. These particular models have been discontinued as the problem was identified. However, there are still panels that have been installed and because nothing bad happen, they have not been replaced. If you happen to have any of those models, you should definitely be aware that you should replace it as soon as possible to avoid the potential damage that can be caused if they burn out. For example the electrical panels from Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), Zinsco, and Pushmatic. Check out what manufacturer you have, and if it happens to be one of those, you can call an electrician to check it out.

    5- Consuming electricity to the maximum, or panning to add some appliances that consume a lot of electricity

The houses built before 1990 normally only have 100 to 150-amp service. As people buy more and more appliances, and the family grows, some people have noticed that they need more power supply and therefore, upgraded. For example, a hot tub, a sauna, an air conditioning, a home theater room, a dryer, or even a home EV charger station will consume much more power than the laptop and TV you are used to. If you notice your power consumption is close to capacity, or if you are planning on buying any of those appliances you should consider upgrading your panel. Upgrade electrical panel to 200 amps are the current standard for new homes.