Lighting
Careful selection of lamps and fittings can cut your energy costs for lighting by more than half.
The higher the wattage of a lamp, the higher the running cost.
Choosing lights
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs , particularly in rooms where the light is on for long periods.
- Use the lowest wattage light needed to adequately light up an area.
- Avoid using downlights (a number are needed to light a room, and they can lead to heat loss through the holes in the ceiling and the insulation).
- Avoid using multiple globe fittings, as they are an inefficient form of lighting - around six 25-watt globes are required to produce the equivalent light output of a single 100-watt globe.
- Use the recommended lighting levels and sources for each room.
Other tips
- Make good use of natural light, particularly from north facing windows.
- Do not leave outdoor lights on all night or during the day - consider using timers or sensors.
- Use task or special purpose lighting to supplement general lighting wherever possible.
- Keep lights and fittings clean. Dusty or dirty globes and fittings can reduce light output by up to 50%.
- Avoid having several lights activated by one switch.
- A light coloured room will appear brighter and better lit than a room with dark surfaces.
Page last updated: 27 February 2011
