indoor lighting design

Energy-efficient lighting design principles include the following:

• Remember that more light is not necessarily better. Human visual performance depends on light quality as well as quantity.


• Match the amount and quality of light to the performed function.


• Install task lights where needed and reduce ambient light elsewhere.


• Use energy-efficient lighting components, controls, and systems.


• Maximize the use of daylighting.

• Install fluorescent light fixtures for all ceiling- and wall-mounted fixtures that will be on for more than 2 hours each day. These often include the fixtures in the kitchen and living room, and sometimes those in bathrooms, halls, bedrooms, and other higher-demand locations.


• Install dedicated compact fluorescent fixtures, rather than compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in incandescent fixtures, so that fluorescent bulbs continue to be used for the life of the house.


• Use CFLs in portable lighting fixtures that are operated for more than 2 hours a day.


• Use ENERGY STAR labeled lighting fixtures.


• Use occupancy sensors for automatically turning on and off your lights as needed.


• Consider light wall colors to minimize the need for artificial lighting.


• If recessed lights are used in a ceiling with an unconditioned space above it, use only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved fixtures that are airtight, are IC (insulation contact) rated, and meet ASTM E283 requirements.

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