Lighting

A home's lighting system is both a large user of electrical energy (lighting consists of about 10 percent of your home energy bill) and is also a major source of internal heat. Increasing your lighting efficiency is one of the easiest ways to decrease your energy bills.

• Light Emitting Diode Light Bulbs (LEDs)

  Check if light emitting diode light bulbs (LEDs) have been nstalled throughout the house. LEDs provide just as much light as typical incandescent bulbs, but use at least 75 percent less energy, give off less heat, and last 25 times longer.

• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

  

  Recent technology has considerably improved energy efficient lighting, with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL bulbs have a phosphorus coating on the inner surface that converts UV energy into light.

  Overall, CFLs use about 25 percent the energy of regular incandescent light bulbs. By switching from a 100-watt incandescent bulb to a 26- or 28-watt CFL bulb you can save more than 70 watts' worth of energy, and the bulb will last up to 10 times longer. Because more of the energy of a fluorescent bulb is converted into light and less into heat, you are also saving on air-conditioning costs.

  How to Choose the Best Compact Fluorescent Bulb

  Compact fluorescents are more expensive than regular bulbs, but the long-term savings offset the initial difference in price. There are three things to look for when selecting the right fluorescent bulb for your needs:

  1. Lumens measure light output, and watts measure energy use. Bulb efficiency is measured by lumens per watt (LPW), calculated by dividing lumens by watts. The higher the LPW, the more light received for the energy used.
  2. Color rendering index (CRI) measures the perceived color of objects under artificial light. The higher the number, the more natural and vibrant colors will appear. Bulbs with a CRI of 80 or above are acceptable for everyday residential use.
  3. Color correlated temperature (CCT) measures how "warm" or "cool" a light seems. A low CCT--below 3100 K--is a warm white light.

  Always compare brands for price, lumens, watts, CRI, and CCT. Be sure to read the label and see where the light bulb can be used. Many bulbs are made for specific fixtures such as recessed cans, dimmer switches, or outdoor fixtures.

• Outdoor Lighting

  Energy-saving bulbs are available for outdoor use. Check the label to make sure the bulb and fixture are designed for outdoor use. Determine what activities will be happening in the lighted area and how much light you will need. Studies have shown that lower lighting reduces glare and helps homeowners to see their yards better at night than bright "security lights," which create deeper shadows and more hiding places for potential intruders.

  • Motion sensors will turn the light on when movement is detected. In addition to saving energy, they also alert you to activity in the area.
  • Timers will automatically turn lights on and off according to the schedule you set.
  • Photocell units respond to changes in natural light levels, and will switch the lights on at dusk and off at dawn.
• "Dark Sky" Standards

  Lighting should be low intensity and conform to "dark sky" standards of downward projected, "full cut-off" illumination that shields light from being emitted upward toward the night sky or surrounding natural areas. To be full cut-off, the light bulb should not extend below the lamp shade.

  Check regulations and town codes at the International Dark Sky Association or the Central Florida Astronomical Society.

• Changing Lighting

  

  • Select lamps that use energy-efficient (fluorescent) bulbs.
  • Install units carefully, following all the manufacturer's recommendations to reduce air leakage.
  • Do not throw CFL bulbs into the trash. They contain mercury. Discarding them in this manner increases the chance of groundwater contamination.

  As energy-efficient lighting becomes more popular, it is important to dispose of CFLs safely and responsibly. When the time comes to replace a bulb, seal the old bulb in a plastic bag and take it to the nearest Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Site (see Earth911 to find the site nearest you).