One of the ways I’m saving on my energy bill this winter is taking advantage of the natural light in our home. Even though I get up early to work on the blog {most days around 4am} I am able to turn off my office light around 8am. I open all blinds and let the light shine in. I work by the light of the sun until I can no longer see, and then I call it a day.
The lighting in our homes accounts for, on average, 10% of our total energy use in the average American home and can add up to about $150 per year in electricity. While cutting that down might not result in a huge amount of money in your pocket, I’d take even an extra $50 if all I had to do was remember to flip a switch. Seems like a pretty good payday for zero inconvenience.
I think we turn on so many lights in our house just out of habit. It might take a few weeks {maybe even months} to retrain your brain not to flip that switch when you walk into a room. But try resisting the urge to turn on lights during the day. I mean, if it’s good enough for the Amish… it’s good enough for me.
And, on the plus side, not only does natural light help me save a bit of money, it also just puts me in such a better mood when my house is flooded with sunlight! I know there are a bunch of studies out there that link natural light to improved moods. So you are essentially killing tow birds with one sunny stone.
Are you a natural light lover and utilizer, or do you find yourself flipping that switch?
~Mavis
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Jane says
We do this big time at our house. Our wood stove is on one side of the house and the sun shines in on the other. On sunny days, we let the sun heat up the non-stove side and it works so well. We do the opposite in the summer- by 10am, the shades are pulled low (on that side of the house) to keep the house cool. It makes a huge difference.
I often think about all those houses I drive by that always have their blinds and curtains drawn. I understand if you’re right along a road or if it’s a bedroom…but I can’t imagine not letting the sun shine in!
Melissa says
4 a.m.?! I’m in awe! What time do you go to sleep?
Robin B says
Natural light rules! I grew up in a house with lots of windows and parents who put dimmer switches on everything, and that’s what I prefer as an adult.
Deborah from FL says
Because my kitchen uses 6 bulbs each time I turn on the lights, I decided that my kitchen closes with the setting sun. It gets a lot of natural light, so I’ve made it work for me.
I love the predawn hours. Everything is so much more peaceful. 🙂
KC says
I’m a big fan of natural light and have been known to “migrate” towards it in the house, but if I’m doing something detail-oriented, I’ll turn the lights on it if the light from outdoors is too low. I’m pretty sure the savings from not needing to wear glasses at least partly compensates for the extra electricity. 🙂
Re: energy saving while still being able to see: have you ever thought of doing a light bulb review, of the various CFLs and LEDs and whatnot now on the market? I’d love to see a comparative “this is the light quality in real life” sort of roundup on a bunch of different brands and options.
Erin says
I’m all about natural light. Trying to get my kids on board is another matter.
Just a thought, you could save even more electricity by rising at dawn to work rather than 4 a.m. 😉
Mavis Butterfield says
Ha! I suppose I could sleep in to save on electricity. 😉
Renay says
I don’t even have curtains in my living room/family room/kitchen. I only have blinds in my bedrooms. My lot is very private so no need for them. Love the light!