 When it comes to energy use, everyone is familiar with the concept of turning off lights to save energy. This concept is taken one step further when you use motion sensors. Motion detectors for outdoor lighting have been around for a while primarily for security purposes. In-door detectors pure and simple, save energy.
The Discovery Channel’s Planet Green program, advocates for motion sensor lighting. "Motion sensors are best used in areas of the house that get little foot traffic," writes Planet Green's Josh Peterson. Peterson explains: "When a person enters one of these rooms, the motion sensor will catch their movement and switch on the light. When the person leaves, the light will go out after a set period of time. This ensures that lights, like the basement light, do not get left on needlessly for hours or even days."
Motion sensor lighting works well in busy places, or places that have people with limited mobility. Motion sensors use electricity and sometimes require batteries. The initial investment is recouped much faster for people, like the elderly, who cannot walk back and forth to turn switches off, or are just forgetful.
A person who wants to live green can get an energy efficient bulb with a motion sensor built in. The “MotionBulb " turns on automatically when you enter the room and turns off automatically when you leave. Its fluorescent bulb only uses 20 watts of energy while emitting the equivalent of 75 watts of light. This light can be put in regular light sockets. Each bulb has a five year warranty. The company is promising more lights developing such as LEDs.
Lighting is going green in more ways than ever before. Our bulbs are becoming so efficient that they can now turn themselves off automatically.
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