Energy efficiency is a key issue in today’s economy.Federal data places New Jersey’s residential rates at the 9th highest in the nation. In addition to utility shut offs rising 15% in the last year alone, studies have shown electric rates have doubled since 2004.
A key benefit to Low Voltage systems is its energy efficacy and safety.LV operating expenses are approximately 1/3 less than line voltage.With LV systems there are an array of lamps, in different low wattage and beam spreads which allow for more precise and interesting lighting effects while consuming much less energy than line voltage systems.It is safer to operate, cable lines are easy to reposition, the fixtures are unobtrusive, and systems are designed for wet locations.
While a LV system might be a safer choice for a homeowner, it is still recommended to have it professionally installed.Key issues such as voltage drop, photometrics, and a landscape’s growth pattern are all aspects that should be considered when planning and executing a system’s layout.Working with a lighting designer will help organize and prioritize all the current and future plans of a home’s expansion.
In an age where energy conservation is of utmost importance, it is our responsibility as professionals to make conscious choices to best conserve our world’s resources.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, making improvements to lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut energy bills. They estimate the average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting, while the average commercial building dedicates 20%-30%. By utilizing the new lighting technologies available today, consumers could reduce their lighting energy use by 50% to 75%. Additional energy savings could be achieved with the use of lighting control systems, thus reducing the amount of time lights are on but not being used. As well as waste disposal and maintenance costs could be greatly reduced by selecting the proper low voltage lamps and transformers.
The many benefits low voltage lighting offers in energy savings for residential and commercial environments are numerous. Click here to read some more on this topic.
In an age where energy conservation is of utmost importance, it is our responsibility as professionals to make conscious choices to best conserve our world’s resources.