Your lighting requirements
Think about the different tasks that you do in each area of your home to determine how best to light them. Having an overall lighting plan is an important first step. Most homes require:
- General or ambient lighting for all-over illumination
- Task lighting to light specific work or activity areas (such as food preparation, hobby work or reading areas)
- Accent lighting to create a mood or highlight a feature.
On this page:
Designing your lighting
It's a good idea to incorporate efficient lighting into the design and planning of your home when renovating or building. This way you can minimise the up front cost and maximise the long-term benefits. Make use of natural light - particularly from north-facing windows.
Visit the rightlight website to use their virtual lighting design tool.
For general tips about designing and choosing efficient lighting, check out the Light Years Ahead - efficient lighting guide.
For detailed advice, consult a professional lighting designer or lighting supplier.
Finding the right light
Different types of efficient light bulbs create different effects, have different efficiencies and are better suited to specific situations. There is a wide range of types, shapes and shades to chose from.
When replacing traditional light bulbs with energy efficient alternatives, check that the new bulbs will work in the existing fittings. You can now choose from a wide range of efficient light bulbs and most are compatible with existing fittings.
Illumination
When buying energy efficient light bulbs, it's worth checking the package for information on lumens. This is the amount of illumination the bulb provides.
Older, traditional light bulbs refer to the energy the bulb uses in Watts rather than how much light it provides. Selecting bulbs by lumens will ensure you get the right amount of light for your requirements. For example, 1350 lumens is currently the equivalent of a traditional 100W light bulb, a 20W CFL and a 75W halogen.
Hints and Tips
- Choose the right light for the purpose. Different tasks need different lights - so choose lights that do the right job for you.
- Only turn on the lights you need them. Switch them off when you leave the room or don't need them anymore
- Save electricity with control devices. Use movement sensors and timers so your lighting is on only when you need it
- Use compact fluorescent lamps for general room lighting. They come in a range of looks and colours, and are 75% more efficient than traditional light bulbs
- Use task lighting where you need sharp visual clarity around what you're doing. This is good for places such as food preparation areas and around the bathroom mirror. And it will save you having to put bright lighting throughout the entire room
- Think twice about downlights. They're good for task lighting, but not for general household lighting. You need several halogen downlights to get the same light coverage as one surface mounted light of the same amount of illumination. Recessed downlights also allow heat to escape directly into the ceiling space
- Create ambience with uplights and wall lighting. Use ambient (mood) lighting in living and dining areas. There is now a more versatile selection of lamps and bulbs available. These can achieve an attractive, lower-energy alternative to your general room lighting
- Use soft lighting outdoors. You can create ambience and use less lighting by just highlighting a few key features. This can also prevent the potential for glare
- Check the illumination (written in lumens) of new bulbs when buying. This will ensure that you get the same level of illumination as your old bulb
- Ask the professionals. Consult an experienced lighting designer for efficient, effective lighting solutions to suit your home or workplace.
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