Masters Home Improvement

There are a number of good reasons to make the lighting in your home eco-friendly. Not only will you save money and help the environment, but the options available are stylish, long-lasting and will give your home a beautiful ambience.

The facts

Incandescent light globes started being phased out at the end of 2009 in order to help reduce Australia’s greenhouse emissions. This simple step should reduce our emissions by 4 million tonnes a year by 2012. The move to low energy lighting should also reduce household lighting bills by 66%. So let’s take a look at what’s involved in making your house clean and green in all matters lighting...

Natural light

The cheapest way to light your house is to utilise the available natural light. Dark walls means a dark house so think about painting interior walls in light tones. Well-placed mirrors can give a sense of space in addition to reflecting natural light inside. Older houses with small windows can benefit by replacing them with larger, modern windows or even glass doors.

Try and place work areas, like desks, kitchen benches and sinks near windows that admit plenty of natural light. Dark hallways can be illuminated beautifully with the installation of skylights or sky tubes. Also, it’s easy to forget about curtains and blinds and leave them closed all day. Open them up and allow warming, free, natural light to flood the house.

Fluorescent lights

The classic fluorescent tubes are actually very energy efficient. They’re more expensive to purchase but last up to 10 times longer than the old incandescent globes. Obviously they are not appropriate in all areas of the house but recessed tubes in kitchens, bathrooms or over desks create an even, white light. The other big advantage of fluorescents is that they produce less heat which can be a big advantage on hot summer days.

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)

CFLs have all the advantages of fluorescent lights but in a smaller, easier-to-use package. They cost more to buy but use much less electricity and last much longer than the old incandescent globes. Despite the cost, you will save money in the long term by using them. If you are still hanging on to a few old incandescents, replacing them with CFLs is as easy as changing a light globe!

Whereas special fittings are required to run fluorescent tubes, CFLs can be used everywhere. They fit in lamps, ceiling lights, pendants, wall lights – anywhere where you require a normal sized globe. They are also manufactured with screw or bayonet cap fittings.

Originally, CFLs were not dimmable but advances in technology means that some CFLs can be used with dimmer switches.

Solar garden lights

More people are discovering the beauty and convenience of solar-powered garden lights. Used to light paths, driveways or simply as a decorative effect, they have a small solar panel that stores energy into a battery during the day. These lights automatically turn on when it gets dark so it’s a simple matter of set and forget.

The light is soft and gentle but the effect is wonderful. The fact that they need no wiring means that they can be placed wherever it takes your fancy. They range from small, cheaper models that last for a few hours after sundown to larger sturdier lights that will keep your garden lit until you go to bed.

Dimmers

Adding dimmers to your light switches is a great eco-friendly option that also helps to create whatever mood you desire. When you require less illumination, the dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness while saving money and the environment.

LED

LED – or light-emitting diode – lighting is considered the way of the future. They last up to 10 times longer than CFLs or 100 times longer than incandescent globes. They also use less electricity than CFLs and have the added advantage of no mercury being used in their production.

LEDs are suitable everywhere, from living room downlights to underwater pool lights. Their longevity means that maintenance and replacement is minimal. At the moment, they are the most expensive option but as technology advances and demand increases, cost will invariably drop.
Masters has taken the step of using LED globes in light fittings in their lighting departments wherever possible, a move which will save the environment and money in the long run.

Handy tips

Replace any old incandescent globes with CFLs or LEDS

Turn off lights when no-one is in the room.

Use two-way switching so lights can be turned off when you leave a room.

A contact switch in a cupboard or pantry will turn the light on when the door is open and turn it off when closed.

Use the lowest wattage light required.

Room lighting should be soft with table and floor lamps being used where more light is required.
 
For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.