Ace Hardware Simplifies the Transition to Energy-Efficient Lighting

OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwired - Oct 7, 2014) - Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, is making it easy for homeowners to transition from traditional incandescent lighting to energy-efficient lighting with new options now available in its lighting aisle. As of January 1, 2014, 40- and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs can no longer be manufactured in the United States as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Ace Hardware is committed to supporting and educating homeowners through the continuing lighting transition as the focus shifts to more energy-efficient alternatives.

With a variety of choices available when it comes to lighting, LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lighting is one of the most energy-efficient options on the market, however it can also be one of the most confusing for consumers as it's the newest technology and they may not be accustomed to the terminology on the packaging. To help consumers become more familiar with this highly efficient and long lasting alternative, Ace's Home Expert, Lou Manfredini, offers simple, hassle-free advice and guidance as homeowners prepare to transition the lighting in their homes.

"LEDs use about 80% less energy than comparable traditional bulbs and the average homeowner would use about 25 incandescent bulbs before just one LED bulb burns out," says Manfredini. "Though the upfront cost might be more than you are used to paying, LEDs save money over time on both replacement and energy costs, and the helpful associates at your neighborhood Ace can make the transition one you feel confident about."

In order to help make the switch hassle-free, Manfredini has provided these tips and tricks to assist homeowners in upgrading their lighting fixtures -- from hard-to-reach ceiling bulbs to easily accessible table lamps.

• Upgrade your bulbs in phases. Replace hard-to-reach bulbs first -- like those in vaulted ceilings -- along with the bulbs you use the most. It could be decades before you have to borrow your neighbor's ladder to change a light bulb again and you'll see the most immediate energy savings by swapping out the fixtures that are turned on for the longest period of time each day.
• Choose the right light. Be sure to consider the fixture when choosing the proper LED bulb. Omni-directional lighting provides the widest range of light distribution and is the best choice for any main fixture like vanities, pendants, table lamps, ceiling lights and chandeliers. Non-omnidirectional bulbs are best for areas like closets or stairwells where you want a spotlight effect as these have a more limited range of light.
• Decide on a soft or bright light. LED bulbs are extremely efficient and will be a part of your home décor for 15-30 years, so you want to create the right ambiance. For rooms that are used primarily for entertaining or relaxing, warm bulbs are a great choice. Their amber tint will give off a cozy, soft white light. Bulbs resembling daylight are perfect for crafting or reading rooms, as they make whites brighter and help if you are concentrating on details because of the bright light they provide. When in doubt, 800 lumens is a good, all-purpose brightness level for most spaces.
• Get the best look and longest life from your LED light bulbs. Be sure to get dimmable or 3-way bulbs for fixtures and lamps on these types of switches. And, if you have traditional dimmer switches, you'll need to update to a Universal Dimmer Switch. The upgrade is usually quick and easy and will regulate the currents to the electronic circuits in an LED bulb so it won't flicker, hum or burn out prematurely.

To help consumers save on the upfront costs associated with the transition to LED lighting, Ace Hardware is offering two "Red Hot Buys" in-store during the month of October with an Instant Savings of $2 for Ace Rewards members*. Feit® Premium Quality LED Reflector Bulb two-packs (65-watt equivalent) are just $19.99 with an Ace Rewards card and Feit® Premium Quality Performance LED Bulbs (60-watt equivalent) are only $5.99 with an Ace Rewards card, with no limit on the amount purchased from October 1 - 31. For additional lighting tips and advice, visit your neighborhood Ace and check out Ace's new video series on LED light bulbs including How to Choose LED Light Bulbs...Simplified, Incandescent and CFL vs. LED, The cost of incandescent vs. LED, The Yearly Cost of Traditional vs. LED, More Reasons to Choose LEDs and Recessed Lighting Kits.

*Instant Savings amount available as mail-in savings for non-Ace Rewards members. Where applicable by law, tax is charged on the sale price before application of Instant Savings. Instant Savings or mail-in savings available from 10/1/14 through 10/31/14. Must present Rewards card to receive Instant Savings. Ace stores are independently owned and operated; offers and/or Ace Rewards® benefits are available only at participating stores. The prices in this press release are suggested by Ace Hardware Corporation, Oak Brook, IL. Product selection/color, sale items, prices and quantities may vary by store. Cannot redeem Instant Savings and mail-in savings on same products. Return and "rain check" policies vary by store; please see your Ace store for details.

About Ace Hardware
For 90 years, Ace Hardware has been known as the place with the helpful hardware folks in thousands of neighborhoods across America, providing customers with a more personal kind of helpful. In 2014, Ace ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores, Eight Years in a Row," according to J.D. Power. With more than 4,850 hardware stores locally owned and operated across the globe, Ace is the largest hardware cooperative in the world. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries currently operate 14 distribution centers in the U.S. and also have distribution capabilities in Shanghai, China; Panama City, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and approximately 60 countries. For more information on Ace, visit www.acehardware.com.