
Tips on Choosing Eco-Friendly Lighting
Eco-Friendly lighting in both residential and commercial buildings remains an important part of living green. The mode of lighting has an effect on our mood and health, in addition to the environment at large. Different elements, such as the type of bulb used, lighting source, fixture, material, and daily routines, determine the environmental friendliness of a room.
Lighting is a very essential quality indoors, and our days will be dull and unproductive without it, because as soon as it gets dark outside, work will be reduced. Therefore, green lighting is of high importance and it will have a positive impact on your health and the environment. Green power saves more energy and is several times more efficient than conventional power sources. Energy-saving bulbs last longer and consume less power than incandescent bulbs. The goal is to help your health and the environment and spend less while doing this. Below are some tips on choosing eco-friendly lighting.
Use CFL and LED Lights
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) save a lot of energy and are more efficient than conventional bulbs. CFLs are available in different shapes, colors, and sizes, and this allows them to fit into different parts of the house for decorative or pure lightning purposes. They are a bit more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they last way longer (about 10,000 hours) and use only around a quarter as much energy. CFLs emit less heat and are beneficial during the summer. You do not have to worry about changing your bulbs frequently with them, and they help you save money in the long run.
S Interior Design is does not recommend CFLs for residential applications
Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) use less energy and are beneficial to our health. Their longevity and energy efficiency are second to none. They cost more than CFLs by just a bit, but they last longer. It is estimated that an LED bulb can last for 100,000 hours. This is ten times the amount of time that CFLs use. Also, they convert about 95% of their energy into light, and just 5% is emitted as heat. LED lights are the best way to go green.
S Interior Design recommends different temperature levels for LED lights depending on where they will be used.
Purchasing from quality brands such as Louis Poulsen lighting, and other reputable LED lighting manufacturers can make a huge difference for the environment and on the overall electricity bill.
Recycle and Reuse Materials
Lights don’t just stand on their own. They are accompanied by fixtures or lamps to help hold them down and beautify them. You should make use of recycled materials when making or purchasing your lights. This is essential for healthy green living because you will spend less and get more.
Lights made from natural materials such as cloth and wood, as well as those made from recycled materials like glass and plastic, are great options. When you use recycled lights, you help the environment and also save money on the side.
Adopt the use of a Natural Light Source ( Sunlight)
A day is never bright without sunlight. The sun is natural, and this makes it the most eco-friendly light source. A lot of people under utilize sunlight in their homes. You should make the most of it by opening up your windows and drapes during the daytime to allow natural light into every inch of the house. You can achieve your desired intensity and light angle by making use of tinted windows or patterned curtains.
Many houses now have skylights to serve as an extra source of direct sunlight into the home. These fixtures are present in living rooms, dining rooms, and some closets. You can style your house the way you want it to allow sunlight in.
A great way to add natural light to a space is by using Solar Tubes when conventional sky lights are not an option.
Switching off lights when not in use
What’s a more effective way to use lights than to turn them off when you’re not using them? You need to cultivate the habit of switching off lights in rooms no one is occupying. Whether you’re going to another room in the house or out, you shouldn’t leave the lights on.
You should help your loved ones learn the efficient use of light till it becomes a habit. Turning off lights when they are not in use has no disadvantages but helps save energy and reduce heat in the house.
Motion Sensors and Dimmers
Motion sensors are really great for eco-friendly lighting. They turn on the lights in your room when you are present and turn them off when there’s no one in the room. This is a great way to save energy and money on electricity bills. With these sensors, you can avoid unnecessary expenses on lights and bills.
Dimmers are amazing choices for green love. With them, you can set the light in your room to the brightness you need. They are great for conserving energy because when you reduce the light being emitted, less voltage is used and more energy is stored. This will help you save on electricity costs and also help the bulbs last longer in the long run.
Invest in Green Power
“Green power” is electricity produced from natural sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro. You can reduce or totally avoid a carbon footprint by using green energy because it comes from natural sources and is completely renewable.
Solar energy is the most eco-friendly energy source, and when you implement it in your home, you will be enjoying more light while saving a lot on electricity bills. You can also sign up for green power with your electric utility.
Invest in Creating a Smart Home
Eco-friendly lighting is essential for smart homes. Who wouldn’t want to have a house that can control the lights and temperature according to how they like them? If you can afford it, then it’s a great choice to go for. Smart homes record information in the house about rooms you use and those you don’t, in addition to your preferred temperature according to the general weather.
You can have everything in your house on autopilot, from the bulbs to plugs, thermostats and more. They will detect when they’re not being used and switch off themselves. When you are ready and available to use them, they will turn back on automatically. This is really great for green living as you will only use the energy you need every time. Most excesses are cut off with smart homes.
Summary
Eco-friendly lighting is energy-efficient and very sustainable. The low impact it has on the environment is very important for the planet and one’s health. With the low power consumption and low cost of acquiring some eco-friendly lights and fixtures, you can save a lot on electricity costs and bills.
Follow the above tips to make an excellent choice when choosing eco-friendly lighting.