Selecting the Right Lights

Find energy-efficient, long-lasting light bulbs in your preferred style and brightness.

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A Guide to Light the Way for You

Our guide to the latest in lights and lighting efficiency helps prepare you to shop for the right lights, receive on-purchase discounts and enjoy long-lasting energy savings.

On this page you will learn about:

Lighting Guide
LED Light Bulbs
Choosing a Color Temperature
Dimmers & Motion Sensors

LED Light Bulbs

Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs produce photons (the basic unit of light) by passing electric current through the diode, a semiconducting material.

LEDs can be more efficient, durable, versatile, and long-lasting than other light bulbs.

LEDs light instantly and provide a better dimming solution than CFLs. ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs come with a minimum three-year warranty.

LEDs use 70-90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, while providing the same amount of light.

Lumens & Watts

Lumens tell you exactly how bright the bulb will be. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

Watts indicate how much energy the bulb will consume to get that light.

Choosing a Color Temperature

Color temperature is measured on a Kelvin scale. The higher the number, the brighter and cooler the light.

Soft White - Warmth and coziness. Best for living and dining rooms, dens and bedrooms.

Bright White - Whiter light. Increases color contrast. Best for kitchens, high bay fixtures, bathrooms and garages.

Daylight - Like noon on a clear day. Produces the best color contrast. Best for reading, vanities and craft, project and display areas.

Motion Sensors & Photocells

Lighting controls, like Motion Sensors, save energy. Motion Sensors automatically turn lights on when movement is detected and off when no movement is detected. The different kinds of Motion Sensors are described below.

Occupancy Sensors automatically turn lights on when you enter a room - cue the lights! - and turn off or dim lights when you leave the room. They are great for bathrooms or hallways, where light is needed for shorter periods of time.

Motion Sensors are usually used for outdoor lighting, typically as security lights. The lights flick on when movement is detected and turn back off when the area is still. Pairing your Motion Sensor security lights with a Photocell will keep your lights from shining during daylight hours.

Daylight Sensors detect the level of daylight illumination and adjust interior lighting accordingly. On very sunny days, lights are off. On partly cloudy days, lights are dimmed. Daylight Sensors are great for rooms with lots of natural light.

Photocells are used on outdoors lights to detect when daylight is available. A photocell sensor will prevent light from being used when it’s unnecessary.

Timers

Timers come in manual and programmable models. Both types allow you to set times for lights to be on and off and provide dimming controls. Manual timers plug into an outlet and can control a specific switch or light. Programmable Timers are digital and allow you to adjust settings, including through a mobile application.

Dimmers

Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of light. Connected to a light fixture, a Dimmer is used to lower light output, which helps light bulbs last longer and helps you control ambience. Check the package of your dimmer for the recommended bulb. Different dimmers support different bulb styles.

DTE Marketplace

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DTE Rebates & Offers

Find discounts on LED light bulbs - starting as low as $1 per light bulb - and links to participating retailers.

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