In the past decades, the dwindling supply of energy did not loom as a serious problem. We seemed to have such an abundance that we became so dependent on it, to the point that some people have abused it, thinking that it could never run out. Now, we are forced to think again. We are beginning to feel the pinch with the high cost of energy generation and the adverse effect of actions we had always thought harmless.
The norm was that as long as we could afford to shoulder the cost, then it was ok for us to use as much electricity as we wanted. I believe it's time to reorient our way of thinking. There are two facts we should acknowledge. First of all, the supply of fossil fuel does run out. Secondly, its untoward use adversely affects our environment, giving rise to the specter of global warming.
However, with judicious use of electrical power, we can contribute effectively to preserving our ecosystem and promoting sustainability. To this end, here are some ways to practice smart lighting in our homes.
Make an honest effort to find out which lights in your home you do not really need or use infrequently. See if you can replace them with more energy-efficient fixtures. There are many low-wattage lighting fixtures in the market with better illuminating power. These likewise produce less heat.
There are some lights that are used only for aesthetic effect. Although you need not remove them, limit their use to those times or occasions when they will be most appreciated. Try to identify which of them are practical enough to serve as ambient lighting at night. Most of the time, this type of lighting is situated on hallways, foyers, stairwells, porches, and garages. Often, these areas require light only sufficient for walking. At times, instead of having one bright light in the ceiling, an interesting wall lamp or an indirect light that merely casts a "glow" effect will suffice.
Avoid glare. Unequal distribution of light may not be comfortable in a particular room. Indirect lighting is a type of system wherein you achieve illumination without seeing the light source, thus avoiding glare. With this type of lighting, you need not have very bright rooms and still achieve a pleasing effect. In this case, you may use low wattage lamps throughout your home and switch to bright lights only in reading and working areas or as needed. This can translate to a more relaxing atmosphere.
Have a common activity area. Light-intensive activities can be done in a common area that many can share simultaneously, rather than in individual rooms. This way you only need a few lights for everyone. Instead of having to light a corner of his bedroom, dad could probably read his favorite book on a couch in the same place where the kids are doing their assignments. If at all possible, make use of daylight through wide windows, skylights, and vents.
The norm was that as long as we could afford to shoulder the cost, then it was ok for us to use as much electricity as we wanted. I believe it's time to reorient our way of thinking. There are two facts we should acknowledge. First of all, the supply of fossil fuel does run out. Secondly, its untoward use adversely affects our environment, giving rise to the specter of global warming.
However, with judicious use of electrical power, we can contribute effectively to preserving our ecosystem and promoting sustainability. To this end, here are some ways to practice smart lighting in our homes.
Make an honest effort to find out which lights in your home you do not really need or use infrequently. See if you can replace them with more energy-efficient fixtures. There are many low-wattage lighting fixtures in the market with better illuminating power. These likewise produce less heat.
There are some lights that are used only for aesthetic effect. Although you need not remove them, limit their use to those times or occasions when they will be most appreciated. Try to identify which of them are practical enough to serve as ambient lighting at night. Most of the time, this type of lighting is situated on hallways, foyers, stairwells, porches, and garages. Often, these areas require light only sufficient for walking. At times, instead of having one bright light in the ceiling, an interesting wall lamp or an indirect light that merely casts a "glow" effect will suffice.
Avoid glare. Unequal distribution of light may not be comfortable in a particular room. Indirect lighting is a type of system wherein you achieve illumination without seeing the light source, thus avoiding glare. With this type of lighting, you need not have very bright rooms and still achieve a pleasing effect. In this case, you may use low wattage lamps throughout your home and switch to bright lights only in reading and working areas or as needed. This can translate to a more relaxing atmosphere.
Have a common activity area. Light-intensive activities can be done in a common area that many can share simultaneously, rather than in individual rooms. This way you only need a few lights for everyone. Instead of having to light a corner of his bedroom, dad could probably read his favorite book on a couch in the same place where the kids are doing their assignments. If at all possible, make use of daylight through wide windows, skylights, and vents.
Practice smart/surgical lighting. It is not reducing the number of fixtures in the house that is really important. It is managing their use that is crucial. Having only one light fixture in the middle of a room does not necessarily mean lower electric bills. It is better to have a task light for reading or other concentrated activity and dispensable lights that turn on and off automatically as needed, such as inside closets and cabinets. In this way, your light source is closer to the task at hand, thereby optimizing the use of electric power.
When having your house designed, list down your requirements and give them to your architect. Have a furniture and activity layout set even before planning your lighting system. Identify which areas must be bright. You should ask for designs for three different lighting levels: for normal everyday use; for special events like parties; and for security or area lights which you can leave on all night. Do not hesitate to ask your architect to explain your lighting system, including its effect and practicality.
Make use of available gadgets in the market that may help you manage your lighting more effectively. These include dimmer switches and motion sensor switches, which reduce the length of time your perimeter lamps stay on since they will only activate when they detect motion within a certain range or at a certain time. This gives the perception that there are people inside the house who are still awake and alert. Automatic switches which are activated when opening and closing a door are very practical for storage rooms and closets. Some energy is wasted when lights are left on in these rooms accidentally. Fortunately, this kind of switch is cheaper than the regular one.
It may be high time to evaluate your lighting system if you have not done so yet. You may be able to reduce your energy consumption by more than 50%, reduce heat emissions in the process, and end up with more dramatic lighting effect. And don’t forget the best tip of all: compared to the most sparkly Christmas lights, a sincere smile always shines brighter.
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