living without electricity doesn't mean living in the dark Amish communities across the US have come up with clever and practical ways to light their homes while sticking to their values though they can't connect to the power grid there's one rule that makes even the most traditional Amish use light switches stick around to the end to find out why the first methods are the most used in more Progressive Amish communities though it comes with its own unique set of benefits and challenges propane and natural gas have been providing light for centuries the first method using these involves Standalone propane lights imagine a tall pole with a light fixture at the top connected to a small propane tank at the base these portable units are popular because families can move them around as needed many Amish households get creative with these building decorative furniture pieces around the base to hide the propane tank while keeping it easily accessible you might see one in the corner of a living room providing light for evening reading or position near a dining table for family meals the second approach is more permanent fixtures built directly into the walls and ceilings of the home these are connected through a network of pipes to a large propane tank outside the house similar to how non-amish homes might have an outdoor electrical box these fixed fixtures are strategically placed throughout the home typically in main Gathering spaces kitchens and work rooms rooms where consistent bright light is needed both lighting methods provide impressive brightness easily Illuminating large rooms for activities like sewing reading or family gatherings however they share one notable drawback heat generation when these lights are burning they can really warm up a room during winter some Amish families joke that their lighting doubles as heating great for January not so much for July the heat can also dry out the air considerably making some rooms feel a bit like a desert the cost of running these lights varies depending on which system you're using the portable units with small tanks need more frequent refills but are less expensive UPF front the permanent fixtures connected to outdoor tanks typically cost more to install but can be more economical in the long run especially for larger homes a typical family might spend between $100 to $200 monthly on propane though this fluctuates with market prices despite these challenges propane and natur gaslighting remains popular among more Progressive Amish communities many families mix and match both methods using the built-in fixtures and frequently used spaces while keeping a few portable units for flexibility let's explore the more traditional approach to Amish lighting kerosine and oil lamps while modern communities often Overlook these Classic Lighting methods the more traditional Amish groups still embrace them for their Simplicity and practicality kerosene and oil lamps come in two main varieties in om homes first you'll find the classic tabletop lamps which you might spot scattered throughout Living Spaces and bedrooms these portable lights cast a soft warm glow that's gentler on the eyes compared to their propane counterparts then there are the ceiling hung lamps larger brighter versions that serve as primary light sources in main living areas these overhead lamps typically burn kerosene and can illuminate entire rooms though not quite as brightly as propane lights what makes these lamps particularly appealing to traditional communities is their modest heat output unlike propane lights that can turn a room into an impromptu sauna kerosene and oil lamps produce significantly less Heat this makes them much more comfortable to sit under especially during those warm summer evenings when the last thing you want is extra warmth the cost of running these lamps is notably lower than propane systems a typical Amish family using primarily kerosene lighting might spend around $50 to $75 monthly on fuel depending on usage patterns and local fuel prices the lamps themselves are also relatively inexpensive to maintain just regular cleaning and occasional Wick replacement keeps them running smoothly traditional communities particularly those in Pennsylvania and Ohio have used these lamps for Generations there's a certain skill to maintaining them knowing exactly how to trim the wick for the cleanest burn understanding how to clean the glass chimneys properly and even mastering the art of carrying a lit lamp upstairs without spilling any oil a skill that takes more practice than you'd think one interesting aspect of kerosene and oil lighting is how it naturally encourages family gathering the softer light tends to draw people closer together creating cozy spaces for evening activities many Amish families share stories about how everyone naturally gravitates toward the lamp lit table for reading homework or family games the main trade-off with these traditional lighting methods is their lower light output reading or detailed handwork might require sitting closer to the light source and some tasks are better done during daylight hours however many traditional Amish families view this as a feature rather than a bug it helps maintain a natural daily Rhythm and encourages good sleep patterns by limiting bright light exposure in the evening hours now let's explore how some Amish communities have embraced battery powered lights finding a clever way to use modern technology while staying true to their values of remaining off the electrical grid these aren't your typical flashlights we're talking about heavyduty work lights often from Brands like DeWalt that packs some serious illumination power picture a robust light fixture with a substantial battery pack at the bottom these lights generate impressive brightness without the heat issues that plague propane or gas Lighting systems making them particularly popular in workshops and barns where good visibility is crucial for safety what makes these B battery powered lights acceptable in some Amish communities is an interesting theological distinction they're not connected to the outside world's power grid instead families charge their batteries using diesel generators or in more Progressive communities solar panels typically they'll charge several battery packs during the day to ensure they have enough power for evening activities some families have worked out efficient rotation systems while one set of batteries Powers their lights another set is charging ensuring they never run out of Illumination the only product we'll ever promote on our channel is a book by Claude Davis a veteran prepper about 126 superfoods and preservation methods from crisis times like the Great Depression and wartime that are impossible to find elsewhere we decided to promote his book because we are the last generation able to share these techniques and superfoods to our children or grandchildren it would be a shame to see this information about highly nutritious foods and preservation methods to survive crises disappear you can also find a book about Herbal Remedies from Nicole aelon on their store if you're watching this on TV you can look up our Channel Frugal Solutions on your phone or tablet and find the books by clicking the link in our Channel description or any other video description the cost breakdown is quite different from other lighting methods while the initial investment in good quality lights and batteries might be higher a quality work light with batteries can run $150 to $300 the ongoing costs are relatively low the main expense comes from running the generator for charging though communities using solar panels see even lower operating costs a family might spend around $30 to $40 monthly on generator fuel significantly less than propane or kerosene lighting not all Amish communities Embrace this technology you're more likely to find these battery powered systems in more aggressive communities particularly those with businesses requiring reliable lighting for workshops or stores traditional groups generally stick to older lighting methods viewing battery powered lights as too modern for their lifestyle one particularly clever use of these lights is in Barns and workshops where safety is Paramount the bright consistent illumination makes detailed work easier and safer especially during early morning or evening hours plus since these lights don't generate much heat and have no Open Flame they're much safer around the wood shavings and hay typically found in these spaces the battery powerered lighting system shows how some Amish communities thoughtfully adapt modern technology to serve their needs while maintaining their independence from the outside world it's a practical solution that Bridges the gap between tradition and necessity providing reliable lighting without compromising their values some community members joke that their non-amish neighbors are actually jealous during power outages while the English houses go dark their battery powered lights keep shining when it comes to lighting their homes the Amish have mastered the art of working with nature through strategic window placement and skylights this approach might seem simple but it's actually a carefully planned system that makes the most of natural daylight Amish homes typically feature larger Windows than you might expect and their placement is no accident each window is strategically positioned to capture sunlight throughout the day south facing Windows catch the strongest light making them perfect for Illuminating main living areas and kitchens where families spend most of their daytime hours east facing Windows welcome the morning sun helping families rise early for their daily chores while west facing Windows provide late afternoon light for dinner preparation and evening activities the size of these windows often surprises visitors they're usually quite generous allowing plenty of natural light to flood the space this isn't just about having good light it's about being efficient by maximizing natural daylight Amish families can significantly reduce their Reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours saving both money and resources but the real game Cher in many Amish homes is the Skylight though you won't find these in every Community think of them as Windows in the ceiling creating bright spots of natural light throughout the home they're particularly valuable in interior rooms that don't have external walls for traditional windows a well-placed skylight can illuminate a hallway bathroom or storage area that would otherwise require artificial lighting throughout the day the placement of skylights requires careful consideration too many and the home becomes difficult to heat in Winter or cool in summer too few and you miss out on valuable natural light some Amish Builders have become experts at finding this perfect balance positioning skylights where they'll provide maximum benefit without compromising the home's Comfort or efficiency during home construction Amish Builders pay special attention to the roof pitch and orientation to maximize the effectiveness of skylights they consider the sun's path throughout the year ensuring that winter sunlight can penetrate deeper into the home when additional light and warmth are welcome while Summer Sun is partially blocked to prevent overheating a fascinating shift is happening in some Amish communities as solar panels become an increasingly popular lighting solution these panels represent a unique compromise between maintaining independence from the electrical grid while embracing clean efficient technology unlike their non-amish neighbors who Mount solar panels prominently on rooftops Amish families typically install their panels in more discrete locations usually at ground level beside their homes or behind barns this placement isn't just about being humble it also makes the panels easier to maintain and adjust for optimal sunlight exposure some families have even Incorporated their solar arrays into garden layouts creating practical yet aesthetically pleasing installations the solar setup in an Amish home is quite clever these panels connect to a battery storage system creating a completely self-contained power Network for their lighting needs during the day the panels collect solar energy storing it in deep cycle batteries when evening comes these batteries power their home's lighting system through carefully installed wiring what makes this acceptable to Amish values it's simple they remain completely independent from the outside world's power grid one unexpected benefit of this system has emerged during Regional power outages while their non-amish neighbors Scramble for flashlights and generators Amish homes with solar setups continue with their evening activities as usual their battery backup systems provide reliable power regardless of what's happening with the main electrical grid some Amish families joke that they're the only ones on their road with lights on during blackouts the cost analysis makes solar particularly attractive while the initial investment is substantial typically $5,000 to $10,000 for a basic home lighting system the long-term savings are significant with minimal maintenance costs and free energy from the Sun families often find their systems pay for themselves within a few years plus they're no longer subject to fluctuating propane or kerosene prices not all Amish communities Embrace solar technology more traditional group still prefer older lighting methods viewing solar panels as too modern however many Progressive communities have found that solar power aligns perfectly with their values of self-sufficiency and good stewardship of resources they've discovered that using the sun's energy doesn't compromise their principles it actually supports them by reducing Reliance on outside resources here's an interesting twist in Amish life the one-year electricity rule found in some old order Amish Comm communities this unique exception shows how even the strictest communities sometimes need to be practical when it comes to housing transitions when an Amish family buys a house from a non-amish person they call them English they sometimes face A peculiar situation the house is already connected to the electrical grid instead of requiring immediate disconnection some communities have established a practical solution a one-year grace period where the family can continue using the existing electrical system this rule serves several purposes first it gives families time to save money for alternative Lighting systems which can be quite expensive to install second it allows them to gradually transition their daily routines from Electric to non-electric living think of it like training wheels on a bicycle it helps them adjust to their new lifestyle smoothly rather than abruptly however once that year is up the family is expected to disconnect from the grid and switch to approved Amish lighting methods some families even start the conversion process early gradually replacing electric lights with propane or oil lamps room by room this way they're fully prepared when their year of Grace ends this practical approach to transition periods shows how Amish communities balance their religious principles with real world Necessities while they're firm in their conviction to live without grid electricity they recognize that sometimes a gradual change is more sensible than an immediate one when special occasions roll around Amish homes light up in unique and meaningful ways during holidays like Christmas and Easter their usual lighting takes on a more festive character though still maintaining their commitment to Simplicity and tradition during these celebrations Amish families often bring out special oil lamps and candles reserved just for holidays you won't find Flashing LED lights or animated displays here instead they create warmth and Ambiance through carefully placed lighting that enhances the spiritual significance of these occasions extra gas lamps might be lit in gathering spaces creating a warm inviting atmosphere for family celebrations the use of candles takes on special meaning during holidays particularly at Christmas while candles aren't practical for everyday lighting imagine trying to read or sew by candle light every night they hold deep symbolic significance during celebrations families might place them in Windows or on tables their gentle Flames representing Hope and Faith Central themes in their community community's religious life what makes these holiday lighting Traditions particularly special is how they bring families together the softer warmer light naturally draws people closer creating intimate spaces for sharing stories and celebrating together some communities even maintain specific Traditions about when certain lights should be lit during holiday evenings and who has the honor of lighting them safety remains a priority even during festivities extra candles are always carefully monitored and Families make sure to keep water or sand nearby just in case it's a sensible precaution that doesn't diminish the beauty of their holiday traditions the Amish approach to seasonal lighting shows remarkable adaptability throughout the year especially when dealing with Winter's early darkness and Summer's extended daylight their lighting strategies shift with the seasons perfectly matching their early to bed early to rise lifestyle winter brings unique challenges particularly when darkness settles in by 4 30 p. m. during these months Amish families adjust their daily routines to make the most of natural daylight they often start their days well Before Sunrise maximizing productivity during daylight hours when darkness comes early they rely more heavily on their artificial Lighting systems whether it's propane lights kerosene lamps or battery powered options summer offers a different Rhythm all together with daylight stretching into the evening hours families can reduce their Reliance on artificial lighting many shift their schedules to align with the sun starting chores at dawn and winding down as natural light Fades this natural alignment helps maintain their body's internal clock and promotes better sleep patterns speaking of sleep the Amish lifestyle naturally supports healthy sleep rhythms without the disruption of electric lights phone screens or TV their bodies more easily follow natural circadian rhythms they typically rise around 4:30 a.
m. in summer and 5:30 a. m.
