Even if you have energy-efficient lighting, it makes sense to use lighting sensibly to further reduce energy use and electricity bills. There are a few simple steps you can take to use lights more efficiently:
- Check that you are not using a higher wattage globe than is necessary to light a room.
- Turn off unnecessary lights, especially when leaving a room.
- Have multiple switches to control the number of lights that come on at one time. Place switches at the exits from rooms and use two-way switching to encourage lights to be turned off when leaving the room.
- Consider installing movement sensors to turn lights on and off automatically in rooms that are used infrequently where lights may be left on by mistake.
- Use timers, daylight controls and motion sensors for outdoor security lights or for common areas, such as hallways and stairwells in multi-unit housing.
- Clean light fittings to allow more light to pass through.
- Take advantage of natural light.
- Consider using solar powered lighting for your garden.
- Consider decorating with light coloured finishes and furnishings - this can allow lighting levels to be reduced.
