Illuminate Your Home with Efficient Lighting Solutions
Lighting is often overlooked as a factor that can help homeowner’s save a significant amount of money over time. From complete renovation projects and sustainable architecture to simply replacing bulbs, there are benefits to illuminating your home with efficient lighting solutions.
Incandescent lighting consumes roughly 15 percent of your electricity usage. By replacing traditional lighting with energy efficient products, you can save as much as 75 percent on your utility costs. Further savings can be found in large projects, such as installing task lighting, which can help you cut down on ambient light usage and accent lighting, while drawing attention to focal points. When embarking on such projects, it’s a good idea to consult with an architect so you understand the scope of work required.
One of the main reasons people don’t invest in energy efficient lighting is because they’re not aware of the products available at their disposal, or of the options they can incorporate themselves. Another daunting factor can be the initial investment. Energy efficient lighting can be more expensive than traditional light sources, but they also tend to have a much longer life. Combine that with electricity savings, and over time, the investment more than pays off for itself.
The most popular upgrade for energy efficiency is switching your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent styles. Although the wattage consumed is far lower than their counterparts, the lighting is bright and suitable for most lamps and fixtures. If possible, replacing traditional lamps with LED ones can also provide substantial savings, too. And if you’re a handy person, you can also consider upgrading your current fixtures to LED lighting.
TMS Architects can help upgrade your home’s lighting plan and employ sustainable architecture practices, such as adding windows or skylights to further reduce electricity costs. View our online portfolio for inspiration, and contact us to learn what we can do for your home.
