The theme of saving natural resources and energy is widely discussed nowadays since energy costs are rising dramatically. Lighting energy cost is no exception to it. The major ways to save lighting energy costs are the use of the following:
- fluorescent or compact fluorescent bulbs
- dimmer
- motion sensor
- task lighting (focused lighting)
- accent lighting, and
- wise positioning of the lighting source
The use of energy efficient light fixtures in place of standard wattage lamps can be an effective savings measure. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and the like use about a quarter of the energy that incandescent lamps use. They not only use less electricity, but also help homes stay cooler in the summer because they generate less heat than the conventional lighting fixtures. Another advantage is that the user is able to screw these light fixtures into ordinary sockets while providing incandescent-like color quality that lasts up to thirteen times than their incandescent counterparts. The disadvantage is the higher cost of the these bulbs compared to the standard ones, but are actually considered to be cost-efficient in the long-run. Halogen bulbs are even more cost-efficient than fluorescent ones.
The usage of dimmers is a good saving measure because it allows regulating the degree of light according to the needs of the users at a particular point in time. Dimmers save energy and extend the life of incandescent bulbs. However, ordinary compact fluorescent light fixtures are not yet dimmable. So, one cannot combine the usage of an energy efficient light fixture together with a dimmer. Dimmers are also ineffective if people use them only to switch the light on and off, forgetting about their additional abilities.
Usage of motion sensors is another way to save on energy costs. The lights are turned on only when they are needed (motion is present) and are more precise than timers since they respond to the actual conditions. Ultrasonic motion sensors turn lights on and off in response to movement; infrared sensors, in response to body heat; photo sensors, when ambient light levels fall below and rise above preset levels. However, sensors also have disadvantages. An example would be if one is lying and reading a book without motion, the motion sensor will turn the light off on the person, which is undesirable. Another disadvantage is the time between the last motion and switching the light off: when one leaves the room (the last one to leave), the light can be switched off quicker by that person than by the motion sensor. For this reason, sensors are not very effective for private households.
The idea of task lighting, or focused lighting approach is based upon the fact that it is silly to lighten the whole room to the degree needed to perform a task that is done only in one part of that room. This light energy saving method enhances lighting quality while providing higher light levels to areas where it is needed and also lowering the light levels on the rest of the room. Task lights, such as swing-arm lamps, allow users to direct light on the subject that requires it. They can spill light evenly across the papers on your desk, but stop just short of your computer screen to avoid glare. Many task lights are now available with built-in CFLs. Accent lighting is based on a similar idea and refers to lighting at the places to emphasize. This method is used often when one displaying an artwork, a collection, or other objects around your home because it adds eye-catching highlights. Accent lighting is also used to focus attention on architectural elements like windows, fireplaces, or doorways.
Wise positioning of the lighting source is a general approach to energy saving, and simply adds to the methods described above. According to this method, if one is using lampshades, globes, or other diffusers, he should choose the type that let the most light through while minimizing glare. One also has to choose light fixtures wisely because they can vary enormously in optical efficiency - some emit 92% of the light, other less than 30%. Recessed ceiling light fixtures are better to be replaced with airtight “cans” to reduce moisture and air leakage. Light should be the brightest where it is needed the most, and the least or absent where it is needed the least.
There are many different methods and approaches in saving light energy costs with each one having its own advantages and disadvantages. One has to choose wisely which methods to combine especially since not all of them can be combined effectively to yield desired results.
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