Three Simple Steps to Reduce Energy Consumption on Design Projects

by Jim Diez
Southwest Audio Visual, ASID Industry Partner

It is estimated that on an average power bill over 50% can be directly attributed to HVAC and lighting. If you are an eco-conscious interior designer, here are some easy steps that have a substantial impact on the energy use of your project.

Energy Efficient Bulbs: On average, most standard light bulbs burn about 65 Watts of power, sometimes more. A chandelier can use well over 1000 Watts of power depending on the number of bulbs. By switching over to energy efficient light bulbs, you can cut the cut the energy use of the lighting fixtures by as much as 90%! CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs), use on average 25% of the power that a normal incandescent light bulb burns. LED light bulbs are a new technology that can be even more efficient, running on an average of 10% the power used by an incandescent light bulb.

Lighting Automation and Dimming: Lighting automation used to be an option that was only available to our elite, high-end clients. New technologies have brought the cost down significantly and made it an option that can greatly enhance the comfort of a home. Dimming a lighting circuit reduces energy consumption, and adds significantly to the life of the bulb. If used in conjunction with energy efficient bulbs, your client might not ever have to change a light bulb again! If the designer works closely with the lighting automation company, together they can create scenes that save energy and highlight the details of the designer’s work. This can be done by highlighting a beautiful stone countertop or illuminating art on the walls.

Total light Control: This is where you really start to make an impact on the power bill. In common areas where there are a lot of windows, suggest automated shade control to your clients. To do this you will rely heavily on the knowledge of your subcontractors handling the home automation and lighting control. If designed correctly using daylight sensors and timers, automated window treatments will greatly reduce the solar heat gain from direct sunlight. By doing this you reduce the demand on the AC/Heater, which is your biggest power draw in any home. This will also help protect the beautiful furniture and elegant flooring that you install in your homes.

These are 3 simple steps that will make a significant impact on the power use of any project. As we move forward into these eco-friendly times, suggest these options to your clients. Although it can cost a little money up front, in the end these investments into the home will pay for themselves and eventually even make money for your clients.

For more information, please contact Jim Diez at Southwest Audio Visual, 858-324-1704 or http://www.swavconsulting.com/.

The Power of LED Lighting

by Faye Fentin ASID, CID
Eco Committee Member, ASID San Diego

Thinking about specifying LED lighting as an energy-saving alternative for your next project? Let me tell you about my experience.

The project required a creative, yet efficient, lighting layout for a kitchen/family room remodel. Before writing the specifications for the room, I spoke with a lighting specialist, attended the ASID chapter meeting on Title 24 lighting and researched LED lighting on the internet. I felt it was my responsibility to educate my client on the power of LED and do my share to help the environment.

The project required a reconfiguration of the recessed can lights in the room. I informed the client in advance that I wanted to share this new energy-saving solution with them. At the meeting with the client, contractor and electrician, I brought a working sample and listed the many benefits of the light. I noted at the time that incandescent lights were about $75.00 per can and the LED would be about $125.00 per can. The client was excited and ready to proceed with LED.

The electrician submitted his bid and the cost was $2,500 more than the original bid. I immediately inquired about the difference and was told that the original bid was for florescent lighting, not incandescent, and that was why there was such a large difference in price. After in-depth research and a detailed breakdown of each line item, the cost differential was low enough for my client to proceed. The room now has plenty of light and the client may never have to change a light bulb again.

When selling LED, I would talk with the electrician before you meet with the client so you can clearly discuss the cost differences and benefits of the product. It is important that the electrician has all the necessary specifications to install the lights, and you should be aware that he might add costs simply because it is a new and unfamiliar product.

Important note: LEDs cannot be retrofitted into an old fixture. Also, the can lights have a smaller light spread, so the project will require more fixtures.

Benefits of LED:
• Long life span – lasts 50,000 hours / 20 years, leading to less landfill waste
• Consumes 85% less energy than incandescent
• Consumes 50% less energy than fluorescent
• Softly washes walls – no hot spots or glare
• Cool or warm color options available
• No UV rays – protects art and fine fabrics
• Bulb emits no heat or mercury
• Extremely compact and dimmable
• Annual electrical costs for an average kitchen with 6 can lights:
LED -$13.50 – Incandescent- $68.00

Since the invention of the light bulb, access to light has never been so efficient and eco-friendly. Start specifying LED – it will change our world.