lighting controls

Lighting controls - photosensors, motion sensors, occupancy sensors, timers, dimmers, switches, whole-house systems... - can help you save energy by turning off lights or by dimming them.

Motion sensors

Motion sensors are largely used in stairwells, closets and utility rooms, where they can turn the light on or off automatically. In outdoor lighting they are mostly used in driveways and pathways.

Since the lamps associated to motion sensors only operate for short periods, incandescent bulbs are a good option.

Occupancy sensors

Ceiling occupancy sensor from Lutron Lights left on are an energy drain, and that’s why occupancy sensors make sense. With occupancy sensors you can be sure that the lights will be turned off after exiting a room.

See: Occupancy Sensors and Choosing Occupancy Sensors

Right: Ceiling Occupancy Sensor, from Lutron

Photo-sensors and Timers

Photo-sensors are mainly used to automatically respond to outdoor daylight levels, switching lights on and off accordingly. Timers, on the other hand, turn lights on and off at prearranged times...

See: Lighting Timers

Dimmers

Dimmers are great to get softer moods and to have several levels of brightness available. Till recently dimmers worked best with incandescent bulbs, but this isn't the rule anymore. Dimmable CFL (fluorescent bulbs) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) models are now common and great to get energy savings.

See: Lighting Dimmers

Switches

Besides traditional toggle switches, there are now sophisticated dimmer switches and also switches associated to motion sensors and timers.

See: Dimmer Switches

Whole-house lighting controls

See: Whole House Lighting Controls

Installing lighting controls

Some more complex lighting controls may require a professional electrician. But typical lighting controls are easy to install and a do-it-yourself job... if you are comfortable with basic wiring. Just follow instructions associated to them.