Design
Your kitchen is the most resource-heavy space in your house
and most likely contributes to the bulk of your energy expenses. With a
refrigerator, oven, microwave, and other energy-hungry tools, your electricity
bill is tied to what you do in the kitchen. One way to regulate your
electricity usage is to be strategic about your energy consumption by balancing
your natural and artificial lighting.
By maximizing your use of natural light and making
energy-efficient decisions for your artificial light, you can cut down your
energy consumption. If you are looking to become more environmentally efficient
or to save money, the kitchen is the best place to begin trimming down
expenses. For example, you can install skylights so that you don't need to use
energy during the day.
When you design your lighting, be sure to consider your
kitchen's architectural design and optimum lighting level. The lighting should
not be too bright, and it should not be too dim. It should be bright enough so
that you avoid straining your vision while you are cooking meals, especially at
night, but it should also be dim enough so that you feel relaxed. Here are some
tips to help you find lighting options that are practical, attractive, and
energy efficient:
Light Bulbs
Consider replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact
florescent bulbs that are energy efficient and long-lasting. Compact florescent
bulbs are available in different wattages, shapes, and sizes, so you'll be able
to find one or multiple for your kitchen lighting fixture. Compact florescent
light bulbs may appear more expensive at face value, but in the long run, they
will help you cut costs.
Some utility companies will even offer full or partial
rebates on energy efficient compact florescent bulbs. Contact your local
utility provider to see what programs are available in your area. Compact
florescent bulbs are ideal for mini pendant lamps that are located over your
sink, stove, or kitchen counter. Some track lighting kits are also compatible
with compact florescent bulbs.
If you're limited on time for planning your energy efficient
options, one simple strategy is to look for bulbs and products with ENERGY STAR
certifications. These products meet sets of guidelines from the United States
Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to helping you save money on your
utility costs, ENERGY STAR appliances will help you make a more positive
environmental impact.
Over an ENERGY STAR bulb's lifespan, you can save more than
$40. ENERGY STAR bulbs use 75 percent less energy, and they can last up to ten
times as long.
Know Your Utility Costs
Call your energy provider to see if they offer free in-home
evaluations to help you gauge your energy and lighting efficiency. A
professional can help you determine whether it is in your best interest to
invest in energy efficient lighting. Depending on where you live and your
provider, you may be eligible for an in-home energy audit.
Some utility companies charge lower rates at night. It is
important to be knowledgeable about your rates so that you can be strategic
about how you operate your lights during the day and at night. You may decide
that it's in your best interest to use your lights at night only.
Also keep in mind that utility costs vary based on where you
live. If you just moved, and you notice a sharp change in your energy expenses,
you may wonder why there is such a difference in your rates, even though you
are using the same amount of energy.
Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is beautiful, and it can help you save
significant money on your utility expenses. Skylights will illuminate your
kitchen in the day time, and you will never need to flip a light switch until
the sun goes away. By conserving electricity and leaving the lights off, you
may be able to save a substantial amount of money with your utility expenses.
Plus, natural light is absolutely beautiful and will give your room a charming
look and feel.
How to Find the Right Kitchen Lighting
Use lighting to set the mood and tone of your kitchen. Don't
just go for an industrial strength lighting fixture - otherwise, your kitchen
may start to resemble your high school cafeteria.
Even though enjoy the look and feel of your favorite
restaurant, you should avoid dimmed down lights. When you cook and do dishes,
you need to be able to see clearly. Consider these options to help you
experiment with your kitchen lighting:
Track lighting allows people to strategically plan where to
place lamps. You may not want to use track lights as your primary light source,
but you may want accent and mood lighting dispersed throughout your kitchen.
Install track lights in addition to your ceiling lamps to control the ambiance
in your environment.
Recessed lamps allow you to strategically plan your kitchen
lighting without worrying about an additional design element. Because they are
recessed into the ceiling, they offer no more than a source of light. You
cannot see a fixture, so you do not need to worry about whether your lights add
or detract from the room's overall décor.
Before finalizing your lighting options, consider factors
including your room's overall size and your personal objectives. Make sure that
your main work areas including the stove, counter, kitchen table, sink, and
cabinet areas are properly lit. Consider adding a dimmer switch if you want to
adjust the brightness of the lights in the room.
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