Did you know that residential lighting accounts for around 15% of an average home's electricity use? Now, more than ever, you're probably thinking back to your parents hounding you to turn off the lights. And realizing that, well, they were right.
That said, smart lighting solutions and the wide array of home tech have set out to help consumers save money. From smart routines that enable automated actions throughout the home to dimmers and advanced light control systems, brands are working to do their part and contribute to a sustainable environment.
To learn more about developments in whole-home systems, we connected with the experts at Lutron to learn how we can save money by embracing the latest energy-efficient light sources, such as LEDs, apps, smart plugs, window shades, and timers.
Top 10 Energy Benefits of Light Control
1. Lighting Control Helps Comfort and May Improve Productivity
Energy-efficient lighting systems create a pleasant and conducive visual atmosphere that promotes productivity. Improving space comfort levels is directly linked to higher productivity. With the help of Lutron's comprehensive Total Light Management solutions, superior lighting reduces room energy consumption and enhances overall performance.
2. Dimmers Can Save Energy
Lutron claims that each of its dimmers can save 4-9% in electricity compared to a standard on-off switch, even at maximum lighting levels. Additional energy savings occur when users dim their light fixtures further. Unlike standard switches, which only save electricity when lights are off, Lutron dimmers and networked lighting controls continuously conserve energy around the clock.
3. Dimming Helps Light Sources Use Less Energy
Although incandescent lights are commonly thought to be the only dimmable lights, other sources such as halogen, CFLs, and LED fixtures can also be dimmed. For instance, dimming a halogen light source by 35% can decrease energy consumption by 28%. On average, dimming either an incandescent or halogen light can result in approximately a 20% reduction in energy usage.
4. Dimming Saves Energy While Enriching Your Life
Although there are a number of ways for consumers to lower energy consumption, many of them require some form of sacrifice. Dimming a light switch is barely a sacrifice. If anything, the effort enhances specific activities, improves ambiance, creates moods, and leverages the light levels from natural daylight to decrease energy usage.
5. Lutron solutions promote LEED building systems
Choosing advanced controls for lighting and shading can play a significant role in achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for new commercial building construction projects. Builders attain credit in several categories:
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Material and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Innovative Design
6. Using Dimmers Saves Money
Simply put, compared to using on/off switches for your incandescent or halogen light bulbs, dimmers can save users 20%, while dimmers with occupancy sensors can save upwards of 60%
7. Installing Shading Solutions Can Improve Energy Efficiency
A shaded home can save energy through daylight harvesting, and also by reducing the electrical load on HVAC systems. Improve your home additionally by choosing eco-friendly materials. Lutron cites that its products are either PVC-free or 100% recycled, and some fabrics have received certification from third-party organizations including GREENGUARD and Oeko-Tex.
8. Annually, Lutron helps consumers save nearly 10 billion kWh of energy
That's a lot, and it's just one brand making this impact. For comparison, 10 billion kWh is equivalent to taking 1.5 million cars off the road and avoiding consumption of 16 million barrels of oil.
9. Smart Lighting Systems can Automatically Save Money and Energy.
Embracing automation in your home goes a long way. Choosing automated systems and sensors makes it easier to integrate personalization into your day. Using either wall controls or smart devices, you can turn on lights, raise blinds, and fill your home with music with just a touch. Plus, micromanaging your home systems can reduce energy costs and usage in the long run.
10. Dimmers Extend Lightbulb Life
Dimmers decrease power supplied to lighting sources or bulbs, leading to energy savings and potentially prolonging bulb lifespan. Incandescent and halogen bulbs can last up to 20 times longer when used with a dimmer. Additionally, dimming LED bulbs reduces heat generation, which can also contribute to extending their lifespan.
