With people focusing even more on living sustainably and reducing their carbon dioxide emissions, the topic of energy-efficient lighting is being brought up more often than ever.
Lighting makes up 11% of the average household electricity consumption in the UK. Having a way to reduce that will decrease your carbon footprint and save you quite a bit of money in the process.
Does this sound like something that is for you? Great, let’s focus on the steps you need to take in order to upgrade your home’s lighting.
Table of Contents
Use Task Lights
Under-cabinet lights use significantly less energy than overhead ones. As the name suggests, they are usually placed in kitchens under cabinets. The light is able to reach throughout your work surfaces, so you can both see better and be more efficient in your work.
Task lights, particularly those equipped with high-quality LED bulbs, offer excellent colour rendering properties. They are able to produce light that is similar to the neutral one, thus enhancing visual clarity.
Another way to save energy and overall cost would be lamps. They vary in size, based on what you would need them for, but generally, the smaller they are, the more cost and energy-effective they get.
Switch To LED lights
When discussing the topic of saving energy, we have to mention LED lights. It has been a hot topic for many years, mainly due to the cool blue light they emit, but that is no longer the case.
Having the option to choose between different colours and temperatures has placed LED lights ahead of the standard lightbulb.
The LEDs emit the same amount of light but are way less energy efficient. In addition, using this type of lighting allows you to reduce waste, as they have a significantly longer life expectancy.
Another significant benefit is safety. Indicator lights operate at low voltages and generate significantly less heat than traditional bulbs. This makes them safer to handle and use, especially in homes, public spaces, or areas where lighting is close to people or flammable objects.
Install Light Dimmers
Light dimmers are often an underestimated option when it comes to saving. An important thing to consider is that they are a great tool to suit different activities and moods. Full-brightness lighting is less than ideal when you want to relax, watch television or simply create a cosy ambience.
In addition, dimming the lights can significantly prolong the lifespan of the bulbs. When dimmed, there is less heat and stress. This reduces the wear and tear on the bulb filaments or LED drivers.
Last but not least, the energy savings are directly proportional to the dimming level. For example, if you dim the lights to 50% brightness, you save approximately the same energy percentage.
Use Sensors or Timers on Lights
Being efficient is not only determined by the type of lightbulbs you choose but also by how you use them.
Using electrical tools such as sensors and timers will help you reduce the time your lights are on when you are not actively using them.
You can simply create a schedule for your lighting, and the timers will automatically turn them off based on your preference. Electrical services now provide you with features to remotely check if any lights are working and switch them on and off.
Motion detectors are another great option to reduce wasting energy. Choose an area of your home that you regularly visit but rarely stay in and set up a motion detector.
There are two ways to connect such a tool:
- Wired Connection. Electrical wires connect the motion detector to the main control panel in this setup. These wires communicate power and signal between the detector and the control unit. This way, any time you trigger the sensor, it will signal to the control panel to activate the lights.
- Wireless Connection. The idea behind this connection is similar to the wired one. As the name suggests, the main difference is how it is connected. The wireless one does not require any electrical cables but instead uses radio frequency or other wireless means to interact with the control panel.
Additional Tips for Saving Energy and Money
One rather unpopular but highly effective method to save energy and money is to take full advantage of natural light.
Consider installing natural light tubes or skylights in rooms with limited access to daylight. These tubes harness sunlight and direct it into the room, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Other things to consider are lampshades and light reflectors. Commonly underestimated, they significantly affect the efficiency of lighting and can enhance by directing and focusing the light where it is most needed.
We have discussed the importance of light bulbs, switches and lighting usage, but we have one more thing to consider. Light fixtures are often chosen based on their appearance rather than their properties, but there are models specifically designed to use less electricity while providing sufficient light output.
Consult with an Electrician
Upgrading your home’s lighting may sound like a simple task, but in certain situations, it would require consultation with a specialised electrician:
- Complex Installations. If you plan to overhaul your lighting system completely, it may require rewiring, running new circuits or making significant electrical repairs and changes. An electrician can assess the feasibility of your plan and safely execute the work.
- Dimmer Switch Installation. If you want to install dimmer switches, it is recommended to seek an electrical services specialist. He can check the compatibility of your existing wiring and fixtures and offer recommendations.
- Safety and Compliance. Consulting with an electrician is essential to ensure electrical safety and compliance with local building codes. A professional will be able to inspect your electrical system, identify any potential hazards or code violations and recommend necessary upgrades or modifications to make your light system more efficient and safe.
Conclusion
Upgrading your home’s lighting is an ideal way to improve your living conditions, reduce your carbon footprint and electrical bill.
Focusing on specific elements will allow you to budget your project better while giving you complete control of how you would like it to take shape.
Upgrading your electrical system and investing in LED lights, sensors, and dimmers is a great way to live sustainably.