Day lighting

Day lighting

For most families, the utility bill is one of the most significant regular expenditures; fortunately it is also likely the easiest expenditure to manage by developing efficient habits, such as saving the dishwasher and washing machine for full loads, ensuring appliances and lights not in use are switched off and taking full advantage of natural lighting during the day.

Day lighting can result in considerable savings on utility bills by not only reducing the need for electrical lighting, but also as a source of natural heat. Make full use of south-facing windows, by opening curtains and clearing obstructions such as awnings and canopies. Also consider installing skylights to make use of the solar lighting and heat throughout the day.

There are also day lighting control systems that regulate the amount of light in a room by dimming or switching off lights when sufficient natural light exists. While such a system can certainly reduce electrical use over time, the design is more practical for commercial use as the initial costs are likely prohibitive on a small scale for home use.

Sunlight is free. With a few minor changes, such as installing a skylight or removing an unnecessary canopy, or simply by using the existing layout of your home to its full potential by opening curtains during the day, you can begin to realise the benefits of solar power.