Consider LED

In the past, efficiency meant you had to install fluorescent fixtures in your home. For most people, this was not worth having to live under the same poor lighting one endures at the grocery store. Now though, available dimmable LED lights and good LED bulb substitutes make attractive, efficient lighting possible.

Timers and Sensors

We are strong supporters of timers and occupancy/vacancy sensors as another way to save on electricity, but this wasn’t always the case.  It is required by code in many areas now to install an occupancy sensor in bathrooms. Unfortunately they can be really unattractive, and like fluorescent lights, there are many projects that these are changed out by home owners later on. When I recently upgraded my own electrical and a horrifically ugly vacancy sensor switch went in the bathroom, I expected its presence in our home to be short lived. But in the time between installation and inspection I grew to love it. When my kids turn on the lights (and of course forget to turn them off!) I can know they will go off on their own and not waste electricity. And for the ugly part. . .Lutron now has a great-looking Occupancy sensor as part of its Maestro series. I guarantee I’ll be switching to this one in the near future.

In addition to sensor switches, timers are another easy and convenient way to save electricity in the bathroom and kitchen. Timers are perfect for a bathroom fan or anything else that you want on for a period of time after you leave the room, but not indefinitely. 

Up Next In Our Lighting Series. . . 

In case you missed it, this is the sixth post in a series of tips for lighting your home. If you want to read the rest of them, get started on rule 1: Layer Your Lighting or keep reading with the next and last post, rule 7: Good Lighting Is Worth Paying For.  In the meantime, go get some sunshine!

Need Help?

If you are working on a remodel of a room, or rooms, in your home and would like help with the design (including lighting!), please contact us to learn more about our services and our areas of operation.