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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
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