How to save energy
In times of rising energy prices, switching to energy-saving lighting quickly pays off. Even in private households, the advice is: find the unnecessary power guzzlers and save a great deal of energy with efficient lighting. After all, no energy is more economical than energy that is not consumed – and no energy is more environmentally friendly than that which does not need to be produced.
Modern lighting technology couples efficiency with convenience. So to save energy, switch over, not off!
Tips for saving energy in the home
The recipe for saving energy in the home is a simple one: replace conventional power guzzlers with efficient components, tailor consumption more strictly to requirements and spice up the mix with a dash of energy-conscious good sense. Here is the list of ingredients:
- Energy-efficient lamps
Use energy-efficient lamps such as energy-saving lamps, fluorescent lamps, LEDs or low-voltage halogen lamps with IRC coating.
- Electronic operating gear
Modern electronics helps save a great deal of energy. Make sure you use electronic ballasts (EBs) for operating fluorescent lamps. And choose electronic transformers for operating low-voltage halogen lamps. They consume two-thirds less power than conventional transformers – and at the same time extend the life of the lamps by delivering very constant power.
- Avoid having lights blazing throughout the house
Avoid leaving lights on all over the home. It is more economical to be selective about illuminance. The ideal arrangement for reading is dimmed general lighting and directional, bright light on the page.
- Switch off "power leakers"
In the case of halogen lamps, it is possible that the transformer may continue to operate even though the lamp is switched off. Whether a transformer is still working is generally indicated by a faint hum or by the fact that it is still warm even some time after the lamp has been switched off. These "hidden" power consumers can be controlled by radio socket outlets. Devices that otherwise remain in standby mode can thus be conveniently deactivated. Power outlet strips with an on/off switch are a simple alternative.
- Modern electronics saves a great deal of energy
Even in the home, maximum energy savings – plus enhanced lighting comfort – are achieved with modern lighting management. Systems range from simple motion detectors with photosensors that activate lighting only when it is actually needed to infinitely adjustable digital lighting control with daylight utilization incorporated into a BUS system. Presence control via motion detector alone cuts energy consumption by as much as 50 percent. And with every further step towards modern lighting management, energy efficiency and convenience increase.
