Short winter days make strategic lighting in your home a necessity. However, this increased demand can lead to higher energy use. Use these smart lighting tips to enhance your home’s energy efficiency during the winter.
Switch to LEDs
Switch to LED lights in your home. LED, or light-emitting diode lighting, options use about 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. They create less heat, helping to keep your home more comfortable and sparing your HVAC system from overworking.
You can also use warm-white LEDs for enhanced comfort. These lights are just as efficient as cool LEDs. However, they can create a cozier atmosphere during the winter months. Use warm-white LEDs in fixtures like table lamps with fabric shades, flush-mount ceiling lights and pendant lights.
Use Smart Programmable Bulbs
Upgrade to smart programmable bulbs. This type of lighting allows you to program when the lights come on and turn off.
You can schedule them to come on only when needed, such as during the longer and darker nights of midwinter. You can also coordinate them with sunrise and sunset times, reducing how much energy your home uses during the season.
Use Motion Sensors
Install motion sensors in low-traffic areas. Lighting areas that you and your household do not use as often wastes energy. Instead, use sensors in areas like the laundry room, garage, hallways, and outdoor spaces to save energy.
Use Task Lighting
Use task lighting instead of overhead lights. Task lighting includes lamps for reading, under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen for cooking, vanity mirror lights, and workbench lights.
Task lighting spares you from having to use brighter overhead lights that use more energy. Use LED bulbs to maximize the lights’ efficiency.
Program Holiday Lighting
The winter holidays are the time to deck out your house in festive lights. However, keeping them on during the daytime or when you are away from home can waste energy.
Use timers or smart plugs to turn them on and off automatically. Only turn them on during the evenings to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Install Smart Light Switches
Use smart light switches in your home. These switches can use Wi-Fi or hardwiring to function. You can also buy hub-connected smart light switches.
They allow you to turn on your home’s lights on and off with a mobile app. You can also pair them with a smart home device to turn them on and off with voice commands.
You can create schedules for the lights to come on and off, reducing energy waste. They also come with settings like “Goodnight” and “Away Mode.”
Take Advantage of Natural Lighting
During the daytime, open your window blinds and curtains. Use natural lighting to make your home brighter. Natural lighting from the outdoors allows you to keep your home’s lights off until evening.
These suggestions help improve the energy efficiency of your home. Contact Jordan Air for lighting services in Athens, GA.
