Lighting Tips
- Switch to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last up to 10 times longer and use up to 75 per cent less electricity.
- Lights out! Always turn off the lights when you leave a room. Make this a habit.
- Dust your light fixtures regularly as dirt can significantly absorb light and reduce bright ness. Remember to clean with the power turned off.
- Create a ‘movie theatre’ atmosphere and watch television without overhead lighting.
- During the summer, open your blinds and curtains to let natural light into your suite.
- Make the most of daylight and try to plan activities such as reading or playing the piano when natural light is available.
- Try to place portable light fixtures (i.e. floor-based or table-based light fixtures) in a room corner so light can reflect from the walls and increase the overall brightness.
- Don’t use ‘lava lamp’ light fixtures or other ‘entertainment’ light fixtures that do not provide any real lighting value.
- Choose wide-brimmed lampshades that distribute light evenly out from the fixture.
- Don’t get stuck decorating with light fixtures in ‘twos’ – the couch does not need portable light fixtures on each side-table to balance a room. Use other decorating ideas instead.
- Switch from traditional holiday lights to LED holiday lights as they use drastically less energy.
- Use task-based lighting to provide direct light right where you need it, as opposed to lighting up the whole room. Use a light fixture with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulb.
- Designate a specific area in your suite for activities and hobbies i.e. reading, surfing online etc.
- Don’t place portable light fixtures at every turn in your suite.
- Monitor the lighting in your suite. If you see a light mistakenly left on – even if it wasn’t you – turn it off. Remind your family or roommates to power down.
- If you get up in the middle of the night, turn on a small nightlight in the bathroom or hallway, instead of an overhead light. Remember to turn it off.
- Before leaving on a trip or weekend getaway, walk around and make sure all lights are turned off.v