See things clearly while saving money
It’s been a long time since humanity relied on candlelight – but seeing things clearly doesn’t come for free. Lighting is one of the most energy-intensive sources of household energy consumption. Expressed in Lumen per Watt (Lm/W), the more energy efficienct the light source, the more economical the light fitting is for a given level of illumination.
Today, LEDs are widely used in our homes. When you consider that an LED bulb saves 75% energy compared to a 60W incandescent bulb, it’s easy to understand why! But choosing the right bulb isn’t the only eco-friendly way to save energy – let’s shine some light on the topic.
Natural light and interior design
Save energy by arranging your interior to take advantage of natural light as much as possible. Likewise, choosing decor (curtains, rugs, furniture, wall art, etc.) in light colours will enhance the power of your lighting.
Choice of bulbs
piggyReplace old light bulbs
Older incandescent or halogen light bulbs use far more energy than their newer counterparts. If you still have old bulbs in your lamps, you can replace them to save energy.
Current light bulbs have an energy label with a classification ranging from A to G. These indicators denote the degree of energy efficiency (A being the best), and the energy consumption in kWh/1000h.
Did you know? Incandescent lamps and the least efficient halogen lamps (which lose a lot of energy in the form of heat) have been withdrawn from sale in the European Union.
piggyWhich bulbs to choose?
To choose the right type of lighting, ask yourself the right questions:
- What light intensity is best for me? Do I need general or localised lighting?
- What type of colour would be suitable: yellow light (warm atmosphere) or white light (cool atmosphere)?
Although more expensive to purchase, LED lamps consume up to 5 times less energy and last 8 times longer than halogen lamps. LEDs are available in almost every possible colour temperature and can replace almost all older types of lamps.
Compact fluorescent lamps (a variation of fluorescent tubes) consume 5 times less energy for the same amount of light as incandescent lamps. However, they are less environmentally friendly than LEDs because they contain mercury. In addition, they take several seconds to reach their maximum illumination.
Timers and sensors
If you tend to forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room, you can use timers or motion sensors. They’re especially useful for lighting areas you rarely visit (basement, attic, garage, outdoor shed, etc.). You don’t have to remember to press the switch, and if you forget, there’s no need to worry as the light turns off automatically.
Cleaning bulbs and light fixtures
It may seem trivial, but it’s helpful to dust your lampshades and clean your light bulbs regularly to improve their brightness. Using a soft cloth, you can restore the shine to your dusty bulb and gain 25 to 40% more light!