Lighting is a vital component of our daily lives that has recently come under a lot of scrutiny regarding its ecological impact. As consumers, the onus is on us to be mindful of the adverse effects of excessive energy usage and the strain it puts on available resources and our pockets. If you are looking to cut down substantially on your electricity bill and embrace eco-friendly living, making some smart replacements in your home’s light fixtures could be the easiest way to go about it. Here are some tips on going green with your lighting choices.
Switch to LED Bulbs
Swapping out your old incandescent bulbs for LED ones is a prudent long-term investment plan that can do wonders for reducing your electricity consumption. The US Department of Energy reports that LED bulbs consume 75% less energy and are likely to last as much as 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Replacing one of those old, energy-guzzling incandescent lights with an LED one will be an excellent way to start your journey towards going green.
Ditch Accent Lighting
We often use accent lighting to highlight focal points in decor. However, this type of lighting involves the use of three times more lights to create the desired effect. On the other hand, ambient lighting allows an even amount of illumination throughout the room. While ambient lighting may not achieve dramatic effects, it lets you illuminate a satisfactory amount of space for a fraction of the cost of the former. You could even install LED mirror around the house for enhanced illumination.
Let There Be Dimmers
Dimming technology is an area in the lighting world that has witnessed rapid advancements. By adopting this technology, consumers can upgrade their quality of life without burning a hole in their pockets. Here’s stating the obvious – when you dim the lights, they use less wattage and help you save energy. However, did you know that dimming also increases the longevity of your fixtures? Talk about a high-quality, energy-efficient investment!
Choose the Right Paint Colour
The paint you choose for your interior has a far more significant impact on the overall illumination of space than you realize. When you choose a dark shade of paint, it simply absorbs all the available light and stores it away as heat, with the area remaining dark as ever. On the other hand, lighter colors are more reflective and make your home more energy-efficient. Plus, they also keep the surroundings cool.
Proper Maintenance is Key
Accumulating dust particles on light fixtures often hinders their ability to realize the full illumination potential. Use a soft, dry cloth and gently wipe the installations to get the original luminosity and better efficiency. Switch off all electrical connections and remove the bulbs from the sockets to get the best results. This also prevents unwanted mishaps.
Congratulations on your decision to go green with your lighting installations. Make the right choice and take a step towards building a more eco-friendly world. Simply minimize the negative impacts of incandescent ambient lighting.
