Issue No. 18
9 October 2014
Energy-efficient lighting
F
ilipinos are faced with a challenge to start an energy-efficient home. According to a Philippine Statistics Office survey, 74% of household energy consumption comes from the lighting. In this context, a proper lighting use in a Philippine household can possibly help in energy savings. The simplest way in having an energy-efficient lighting is to invest in light-emitting diode (LED) lights instead of the conventional ones. Yet, not everyone has the budget to switch directly to LED lights. Here are few tips that every household member can participate in: •
Rely on natural light whenever possible. It is the best source of light that you can have at no cost. During free time, arrange the household furnitures strategically wherein you can use natural light. Reading tables should be near the windows. If possible, place skylights in other working areas.
•
Turn off lights when not in use. Always keep in mind to switch off lights when not needed.
•
Provide lamps that give direct lighting over desks and other work areas. It will save more energy than a higher wattage lighting needed to illuminate the whole room.
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Use low wattage light bulbs. In areas where strong lighting is not needed, it is advisable to just use low wattage light bulbs. These areas include hallways, foyers, and doorways.
•
Clean lighting fixtures regularly. Dirt in lighting fixtures will decrease illumination by as much as 50%. Everyone can work more effectively under good
lighting.Poor lighting will push someone to work longer, which requires more electrical consumption. •
Invest with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and/ or LED lights. Although these lights cost higher than incandescent bulbs, they use up only 25% of the energy being used up by incandescent bulbs, and last eight times longer. Quality LED lights can last 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb and use 75% less energy.
Source: • www.meralco.com.ph • manilastandardtoday.com/2014/09/16/energy-efficient-householdalternatives/
Published by the Knowledge Management and Information Service (KMIS) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please e-mail us at publications@dti.gov.ph.