When homeowners consider remodeling a home, one of the decisions to make is whether to install conventional light switches or the more modern dimmer light switches. While both types of lighting switches will properly light a room, one of them is likely to have several benefits that the other one just cannot compete with. Conventional […]

The lighting design and ambience created in a room can alter our emotions and change the way we look at things, calm a stressed mind, promote sleep for the sleep-deprived and general well-being. Altering the lighting in a room, by changing the color of the lights or dimming the lights, can lead to an immediate […]

A dimmer is a device which is used to vary the brightness of light in a room. Understanding the importance and functionality of dimmers is necessary in order to enable people to recognize the reasons why they are an important aspect of the home. Dimmers help to increase or decrease the output of light by […]

It is hard to imagine that lighting design could be customized for women. However, there are specific lighting design touches can make a room feel more feminine. Women tend to prefer lighting fixtures with more curves and task lights that are lower with a soft warm glow. Candle light, scented or not, used for decorations […]

The last of a multi-step technology phase out is just a few months away. As of July 1, 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy ballast efficiency regulations will prohibit ballast manufacturers from making and selling T12 magnetic ballasts for use in new fixtures with full-wattage T12 lamps in commercial and industrial applications. And according to […]

Going green in business is a trend that’s here to stay. But for many small companies, finding the money to make it happen is a challenge. Enter the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Through its 504 loan program, the SBA is now offering special financing to small business entrepreneurs who go green. To help small […]

San Francisco is number one on the Green Building Opportunity Index—that’s according to a recent study by Cushman & Wakefield, in collaboration with the BetterBricks initiative of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA).  The Green Building Opportunity Index is a first-of-its-kind office market assessment tool used to compare top U.S. office markets in terms of […]

Customer referrals are an important part of our business. Over the past few years, we have been fortunate to receive referrals from many of our valued clients. To show our appreciation for these referrals—which often turn into additional business—we’ve created the Monterey Lighting Solutions Customer Referral Program. The program not only allows us to thank […]

California is setting an environmental example by being the first in the nation to adopt the mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN), which aims to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and water use to make California more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. CALGREEN, which goes into effect on January 1, 2011, requires that […]

The high costs associated with making energy-efficient upgrades to homes and buildings can be a big deterrent to commercial and residential property owners. Enter Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. Designed to eliminate the upfront cost for energy improvements, PACE bonds allow property owners to pay for the improvements over 15 to 20 years through an […]