Saving Energy: Lighting Your Home

Take a look around your home, and you'll find a variety of lighting situations, each with its own special needs. Learning the basics of lighting design will help you put the right light in the right place.

General lighting

General lighting – also called “ambient” lighting by professionals – is the main overall light source for a room. It might be a simple overhead fixture, table or floor lamps, or track lighting.

In most cases, a 60-watt incandescent or 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb will provide enough general light for a typical bedroom, office or hallway. For larger rooms like kitchens and family rooms, a larger overhead fixture or multiple table lamps are usually necessary.

Daylighting

The concept of daylighting – or “passive solar lighting” – is growing in popularity. Using natural sunlight throughout your home can not only lower your electricity bills, but also improve the comfort and mood of your family members.

Daylighting is accomplished in newly-constructed homes by strategically orienting spaces like the kitchen and family rooms to allow the most sunlight. Window size and placement is also important in daylighting.

For existing homes, energy-efficient skylights can be a cost-effective option for bringing more natural light into the house.

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Accent lighting

If you like to display artwork, a collection or other objects around your home, accent lighting can add eye-catching interest.

For the most dramatic effect, accent lighting should be at least three times brighter than the surrounding area.

Before installing accent lights, test a variety of bulbs and positions beforehand to find the desired effect. "Uplighting" a large plant or window treatment with a small canister lamp can create dramatic shadows. Diffuse "downlighting" is great for framed artwork.

Accent lighting is also used to focus attention on architectural elements like windows, fireplaces, molding, etc. Easy-to-install rope lighting is great for this purpose.

Task lighting

Task lighting is functional, localized light used for a specific activity, such as reading, cooking or studying.

Task lighting tips:

• Task lighting should provide a bright glow, but without glares or shadows.

• Lamps used for reading or studying should be adjustable for use by different family members.

• Under-cabinet fixtures in the kitchen are great for reading recipes.

Outdoor lighting

When it comes to outdoor lighting, the porch light is just the beginning - with the new low-voltage and security fixtures available, any homeowner can make a statement with light.

• Uplighting: Architectural and landscape elements become dramatic features when illuminated from below. Fixtures can be camouflaged by the use of glare shields.

• Downlighting: Lighting from above can provide both security and aesthetics. You can also use downlighting to highlight a smaller area or single feature, or to create a sense of perspective.

• Spot lighting: This technique uses a strong, narrowly focused beam of light. Spotlighting is great for sculptures, statues, landscape features and flagpoles.

• Pathway lighting: This is simply illuminating a driveway or walkway, for either safety and security, or attractiveness. The new low-voltage lighting kits are easy to install yourself.

• Security lighting: You don't need to rely on glaring floodlights for security - strategic placement of accent lighting fixtures can be even more effective.

Guidelines for landscape lighting

The American Lighting Association recommends following these rules:

• Conceal the light source behind shrubs, etc., whenever possible - except when the fixture itself is a decorative feature.

• Don't overdo it - a little light goes a long way.

• Be creative - use a mixture of lighting techniques for dramatic effect.

• Use lighting controls like timers and photocells to turn lights on and off automatically.

Be considerate of your neighbors - aim lights so they don't shine in others' windows.

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Learn more about:

Low-Voltage
Outdoor Lighting

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Are you an Alliant Energy customer?

If you’re an Alliant Energy electric customer in Iowa or Wisconsin, you can earn cash back when you purchase high-efficiency EnergyStar light bulbs.

Looking for an energy-smart lighting dealer?

Try Alliant Energy’s online Dealer Locator to find lighting experts in your area.

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Brochures and fact sheets:

PowerHouse: Lighting Your Home
By Alliant Energy [PDF format]

Energy-Efficient Lighting Fact Sheet
By the U.S. Department of Energy [PDF format]

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Learn more:

Lighting Your Life
By the American Lighting Association

GE Lighting Solutions Center