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The energy benefits of lighting control systems in offices

Lighting control systems do more than illuminate homes, hotels and offices. they can boost productivity, save money, lower carbon emissions, respond to occupants, complement design and enhance the usability of a building.

Due to the increase of environmental concerns, lighting control systems play an important role in the reduction of energy consumption of the lighting without impeding comfort goals. Lighting is often the largest electrical load in offices, but the cost of lighting energy consumption remains low when compared to the personnel costs. Thus its energy saving potential is often neglected.

Here, we discuss the key energy benefits of lighting control systems can deliver in an office environment and automation control.

Lighting control can increase comfort and productivity

Lighting control solutions provide a comfortable and productive visual environment. enhancing the comfort levels of a space leads to increases in productivity. The lighting levels of a room have a drastic effect on its occupants. If the lights are too bright, they cause eye fatigue and if the lights are too low, it can cause the eye to strain and even make the occupant slightly drowsy. Lighting can not only reduce the energy consumption of a room but also improve the quality of work from its occupants.

Dimmers save energy

Dimmers save energy
Every dimmer automatically saves 4-9% in electricity even at the highest lighting levels over a standard on-off switch. when users choose to dim their lights, even more electricity is saved. Quite simply, the more you dim, the more you save. a standard light switch only saves electricity in the “off” position. High-quality dimmers and controls save energy 24×7.

Light sources use less energy when dimmed

While incandescent lights are typically associated with dimming, all lighting sources, including halogen, CFLs, and, LED bulbs, can be dimmed. For example, a halogen light source dimmed 35% reduces energy use by 28%. on average, dimming an incandescent or halogen light will reduce energy use by about 20%.

Dimming saves the environment while enriching your life

While there are many ways to reduce energy use, most involve sacrificing something. Few actually enrich the quality of living and working environments like dimmers. Dimmers and other lighting control solutions allow individuals to adjust light levels for specific entertainment options, enhance ambience, set a mood, and take advantage of daylight to reduce energy use.

Dimmers extend bulb life

Dimmers reduce power to the lighting source or bulb, so they save energy and can extend bulb life. Incandescent and halogen bulbs last up to 20 times longer when used with a dimmer, increasing the money saved. LED bulbs run cooler when dimmed which can also extend bulb life.

Intuitive lighting and shading solutions can automatically save energy

Intuitive lighting and shading solutions

Automated systems like daylight and occupancy sensors can turn on lights according to changes in light or the time of day. Without any input from the user, lighting automation control systems can reduce energy costs and usage. Shading systems save energy by harvesting daylight and reducing the load on HVAC systems, making any project more eco-friendly.

(Content & Image courtesy: www.lutron.com)