STOP GLOBAL WARMING
Save energy and money

  AddThis Social Bookmark Button

 





 

 
Bathroom Lighting & Energy Savings

 
   

A bathroom exhaust fan with light is a key element to get both a good lighting and to avoid moisture in your bathroom. Other key element in bathroom lighting is the vanity fixtures - one of the most used fixtures in the average home.

Bathroom lighting elements

The bathroom lighting design is highly dependent of the bathroom size and configuration. Small bathrooms might only demand a central ceiling fluorescent fixture (or a ceiling fan with a light kit) and a pair of vanity fixtures, but a larger bathroom demands more lighting elements.

Bathroom Vanity lighting

Do not put fixtures over the mirror if you want to avoid casting shadows on your face. Lighting fixtures should be mounted on either side of the vanity mirror, 35 - 40 inches (0.9-1 m) apart. Fixtures can be placed on the mirror's surface, if the mirror is too large.  To get even illumination and avoid shadows, you should also center each fixture approximately at head level.


Bathroom general lighting and moisture

Bathroom moisture can be avoided and linked to lighting. For that, you should install a properly sized ventilation/exhaust fan with a build-in light, preferably Energy Star or other qualified fan. The fan will provide both good ventilation and lighting (and energy savings). 

See, for details:
Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
Ceiling fans basics

If you are remodeling your bathroom, you should considerer also insulation. The walls (mainly those behind tubs and showers) should be well air-sealed and insulated.  Just seal possible air leaks and install the right insulation,

See, for details on this issues: Basics on Insulation
 

Bathroom exhaust fan & Lighting

Many exhaust fans models include a light kit – which can be an energy efficient fluorescent light bulb. Choose a qualified model (Energy Star…) with a fluorescent light, to get higher energy savings.

Exhaust fans with light, use separate switches: one for the fan and one for the light source (and eventually a third one for a night light).

Some exhaust fans also include heaters (for winter months, to warm up the bathroom), which demands an additional switch.

You should run the bathroom exhaust fan during your bath and during a minimum of 15 minutes after it. A switch with a timer can help to switch off automatically the fan.


Other bathroom lighting

Large bathrooms may demand some more lighting besides the vanity lighting and the general lighting provided by ceiling lights.

The shower is an area where lighting can also have some advantages –eventually a recessed light with a glass lens.

Small recessed spotlight directed to some decorative elements are other type of lighting you may want to consider. This kind of lighting is called accent decorative lighting and its goal is mainly decorative and involving small areas and details of the bathroom.

Bulbs, fixtures and switches

Choose CFLs (Compacts Fluorescent Lights) and other fluorescents. Fluorescents will provide bright, warm light and they use much less energy than standard lighting.

Light dimmers – and other lighting controls - can reduce the wattage and output of lamps. They are also an advantageous option to get electricity saving. 

See: Lighting controls

See also:
House Lighting Basics
Low-voltage outdoor lighting kits;
Outdoor solar lighting.
Landscape lighting design
Family, living and dining rooms
The Lighting Association


 
Back to top Outdoor Lighting Basics
Return to Energy Savings Home Page

 

 



 


 

 



 

| © Energy-Savings.com | | All rights Reserved by E. Reisinho.