When designing indoor lighting for energy efficiency, you want to consider some basic design principles and methods.

Energy-efficient lighting design principles include the following:

* Remember that more light is not necessarily better. Human visual performance depends on light quality as well as quantity.

* Match the amount and quality of light to the performed function.

* Install task lights where needed and reduce ambient light elsewhere.

* Use energy-efficient lighting components, controls, and systems.

* Maximize the use of daylighting.

Here are some basic methods for achieving energy-efficient indoor lighting:

* Install fluorescent light fixtures for all ceiling- and wall-mounted fixtures that will be on for more than 2 hours each day. These often include the fixtures in the kitchen and living room, and sometimes those in bathrooms, halls, bedrooms, and other higher-demand locations.

* Install dedicated compact fluorescent fixtures, rather than compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in incandescent fixtures, so that fluorescent bulbs continue to be used for the life of the house.

* Use CFLs in portable lighting fixtures that are operated for more than 2 hours a day.

* Use ENERGY STAR labeled lighting fixtures.

* Use occupancy sensors for automatically turning on and off your lights as needed.

* Consider light wall colors to minimize the need for artificial lighting.

* If recessed lights are used in a ceiling with an unconditioned space above it, use only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved fixtures that are airtight, are IC (insulation contact) rated, and meet ASTM E283 requirements.

Courtesy EERE