New Lighting is one of the Simplest Ways to Save Money
Lighting Overview
Did you know that lighting represents about 20% of your home’s electricity bill? Standard incandescent light bulbs are one of the most inefficient energy sources in your home as the vast majority of energy used is emitted as heat and not as light. Some research has estimated that only 10% of energy used in a light bulb is actually converted to light! As a result, simply switching from ordinary light bulbs to energy efficient light bulbs (compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), is one of the easiest steps you can take to save on your energy bill.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
CFLs have a number of advantages over traditional incandescent light bulbs. Specifically, CFLs:*
1. Use about one-quarter of the energy to produce the same amount of light;
2. Last about 10 times longer;
3. Produce about 75% less heat, which reduces cooling costs;
4. Save about $30 or more in electricity costs over the lifetime of each bulb;
5. Are built to meet strict energy efficiency and performance requirements.
While initially more expensive, CFLs pay for themselves in about 6 months or less. When you consider that the average household has more than 40 light sockets, the savings could be huge.
Switching to CFLs can also help the environment. Swapping out your ordinary light bulbs for energy efficient bulbs can remove as much greenhouse gas pollution as planting 2.85 million acres of trees or taking 2 million cars off the road each year.*
CFL Buying Tips
To find the right light bulbs, choose the product that provides the most lumens (light) at the lowest wattage. Depending on your application, there are different light bulbs for different uses. For example, triple-tube CFLs provide high light output in small spaces, perfect for desk and reading lamps; flood lamp CFLs work well for recessed and track lighting; globe shapes work well in bathrooms or in rooms where aesthetics are important; and dome-shaped CFLs (which are similar to traditional bulbs) are a better fit for lamps whose shades clip onto the bulb.
Also, to provide sharp contrast for reading or working, buy a CFL labeled “daylight” and use in your office or bedside lamps. EnergyStar.gov has produced a simple chart that you can download here and learn how to choose the right CFL.
* source: www.energystar.gov
Light-Emitting Diodes
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source, which is increasingly being used for home lighting. LEDs offer numerous advantages over traditional incandescent light sources such as reduced energy usage, longer lifetime, smaller size, faster switching, greater durability, and zero waste heat. However, current LED products for general lighting are more expensive to buy than fluorescent lamp or traditional incandescent bulb sources of comparable output.
LED Buying Tips
First, read the LED package carefully to choose desired illumination level as LED wattages are different than traditional bulbs. For example, a 3 watt LED is equivalent in output to a 45 watt incandescent.
Second, choose between warm and cool light - new LED bulbs are available in “cool” white light, which is perfect for contrasts in work spaces, and “warm” light commonly used for accent or small area lighting.
Lastly, make sure you select the right base. LEDs are available in several types bases: pin socket bases or the standard screw in base for recessed or track lighting.
