“CUSTOM ORDER THE PERFECT SET”
1365 Ottawa St.
MIDI &
homes
790-7771
REG31704152_1_1
b r e a k i n g n e w s a t L EA D ER P O ST . C O M S ec t i o n F
S at u r day, N ov e m b er 3, 201 2
Switch on efficient lighting in your home Changing bulbs saves you money Postmedia News For some, fall is signified by autumn leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and putting on your long boots. For designer Jillian Harris, it’s an opportunity to think about refreshing the lighting in your home to save both energy and money. Harris says many people don’t realize how much money they can save by switching to Energy Star bulbs and fixtures. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs are just as bright as traditional incandescent bulbs, but use approximately 75 per cent less energy. For instance, a CFL or LED bulb produces the luminosity of a 60 watt traditional bulb, while only using about 13 to 15 watts of power.
That’s worth thinking about as the dark days of winter loom, says Harris. “It’s colder outside and darker earlier, so people start spending more time inside,” she points out. “It’s a perfect time to take a good look at your lights.” Harris recommends following a plan to make sure you get the results you’re looking for. By that, she means considering everything from the shape of a light, to what its main purpose is in a room, and even what type of bulb you’re currently using. “These days, you can get Energy Star bulbs for pretty much every kind of fixture, and they come in a huge range of tones,” says Harris. “There’s pretty much no excuse for you not to be using them.” It’s not as complicated as it may seem. Harris starts off by figuring out what size of fixture is needed, and where it should be located. If a room gets a lot of natural light, it won’t require as many light sources. The natural light and paint
colour used in the room will also affect whether the room feels warm — more yellow toned — or cool, with bluish light. Putting in “layers” of light allows you to change up the feel of a room and conserve energy. For instance, there’s no need to have a huge overhead chandelier blazing away in the bedroom when you could simply use a dim nightstand lamp to do a bit of reading before going to sleep. A dimmer switch — compatible with almost all Energy Star bulbs — would also help with that scenario. Energy Star bulbs also last much longer, which means significant savings over their lifetime. Harris believes a lot could be done with those savings to spruce up your home. “Think about investing in some unique artwork, a vase that you love, or even just some fresh flowers — I love fresh flowers inside, because it just adds that extra little touch. All of this just from switching over your bulbs.”
Postmedia News files
Task lighting and dimmers are a great way to reduce power consumption and set the mood of any room. Energy Star lighting uses about 75 per cent less energy than standard bulbs.
S O P H I ST I C AT E D. ST Y L I S H. D I ST I N C T I V E . • Floors: 10 • Condos: 71 • 1 BR from 1017 sq. ft. • 2 BR from 1389 sq. ft. • Townhouses from 930 sq. ft. • Finishings: Hardwood floors, granite countertops, Stainless Steel appliances Presentation Suite and Sales Centre 2139 Broad St. Regina, Sk.
• Amenities: Rooftop patio and fitness centre, green roof, underground car and bike parking, amenity room • Bonus: 3 year tax exemption Presentation Centre Hours Fri. Sat. & Sun. By Appointment
W W W. C E N T R E S Q UA R E P L AC E . CO M Project Development Consultants: Hydeman Property Management
Presentation Centre Hours: Mon.-Fri. 12-6 Sat.-Sun. 12-5 Or by appointment For more information call: (306) 565-2300
REG31704145_1_1
Open Showhomes to help navigate your choice! Homes By Dundee 4707 Glass Street 347-8100
Gilroy Homes 4802 Upson Road 789-6080
North Ridge Dev. 4761 Padwick Ave 352-5900
Artisan Design Build 4826 Upson Road 546-8030
Homes by Deveraux 4606 Curtiss Avenue 522-5556
Ripplinger Homes 4773 Padwick Ave 533-9698 (Closed Holidays)
Crawford Homes 4813 Upson Road 525-9801
Varsity Homes 4717 Hames Crescent 525-2329
RGB/Oak Park Living 5110 Jim Cairns Road 586-9106
Harmony Builders 4818 Upson Road 205-7313
Pacesetter Homes 5264 Aerial Crescent 565-4663
Daytona Homes 4773 James Hill Road 522-3210
Century West Homes 4810 Upson Road 522-1062
Homes By Dundee 4413 Padwick Road 347-8100
Harmony Builders 4777 James Hill Road 205-7313
Janson Homes 4805 Upson Road 537-3200
Showhome hours: Mon-Thurs: 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays: 1-5 pm
Visit harbourlanding.ca for more information | P: (306) 347-8130 REG34504779_1_1
REG31704150_1_1