How to Save Energy on Lighting While Keeping Your Home Bright & Beautiful

Although a light bulb may not look like an energy-guzzling appliance, they can devour a big chunk of your electric bill collectively while lighting your entire home. You can achieve significant savings by making changes in the types of bulbs you use and their placement in your home. There are three general ways to light your home. Balancing them wisely, or replacing one with another, could save you electricity and money…and you might end up with an even more de’light’ful atmosphere than you previously enjoyed.

First, we’ll explain ?Ambient Lighting?

Ambient lighting is the overall illumination that spreads throughout your home. A well-lit room can seem cheerful, and you can walk around in it safely. Your overhead fixtures, ceiling lights and other bright, room-filling lamps are considered your ambient lighting. While promoting an inviting, pleasant atmosphere, ambient lighting needs a lot of watts to do the job.

The second type of lighting is ?Task Lighting?

Task lighting is focused on a particular area, such as over a kitchen counter, on each side of a bathroom mirror, above the stove or maybe a desk lamp or reading light on the end table. By having task lighting that you can turn on in frequently used areas, you save energy because there is less need to rely on Ambient fixtures. Task lighting may also make a setting seem more intimate or cozy if used in leisurely living areas. Compare the difference between supermarket lighting and the subtle pockets of light at a fine dining restaurant, for example.

The final general lighting type is ?Accent lighting?

Accent lighting is used to bring attention or illumination to decorations, artwork or particularly dark areas in the home (like hallways). It is also used commonly to play up some of the architectural features of the home or create an aesthetically pleasing lighting ‘mood’. There are lots of creative uses for accent lighting and it functions more as a decorative measure than an illumination tool.

If Task and Accent lighting could serve some of your typical Ambient lighting needs, you can create a more dramatic atmosphere while reducing your energy costs. Simply try different combinations of various lighting methods. Pay attention to the placement of different bulbs and lighting fixtures around the house and the brightness / wattage of bulbs. You might be surprised what you come up with just by reducing your ambient lighting. Don’t forget that electricity-free good old fashioned candles can be a huge help in the process. Balance your lighting methods wisely and you’re sure to see the savings on your electric bill.