Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent lights (”CFLs”) have become widely available in the past few years and are by far the best energy efficient light bulb around. Unlike older fluorescent lights that give off an irritating blue or flickering light, this new generation of fluorescent light bulbs radiates a warm light just like the traditional incandescent bulb, but with a quarter of the energy usage. These new energy saving light bulbs are more expensive than an incandescent bulb initially, but they last ten times longer, and over their life can save you as much as $50 per bulb in reduced energy bills. Use an energy efficient bulb in any light fixture: lamps, overhead lights, or outdoor lights. Remember to use CFLs specifically designed for fixtures with a dimmer switch as problems can occur if you use a regular CFL bulb.

Home Lighting Design

1. Compare models and types and use the most energy efficient one when purchasing light fixtures; typically fixtures that use halogen lights and track lighting are less efficient.
2. Set up task lighting in rooms to brightly light certain areas you need. A desk lamp uses much less energy than a whole office fixture.
3. Consider replacing halogen torchiere lights, if you have them, as soon as possible. New CFL torchiere lamps conserve as much as 70 per cent of the energy you use with a halogen one. If buying new torchiere lamps, remember that although the halogen ones are cheaper, they are much more expensive to operate, and cost more in the long run.
4. Use three-way lamps as much as possible so that you can adjust room lighting to fit the situation. For example, there’s no need to have a 100-watt bulb burning brightly while you are watching a movie.
5. Maximize natural lighting in your home. Use light colored blinds or curtains that allow light in while keeping your privacy. Also decorate in lighter colors where possible to brighten rooms naturally so that you turn your lights on later.

Outdoor Lighting 

The best place to use compact fluorescent lights is for your outdoor lighting. Also consider installing motion sensor light fixtures that turn off when there is no outside activity. If you have a CFL installed in a motion sensor fixture, imagine the energy you can conserve. If you really want to save some cash, use a photocell motion sensor fixture, which uses energy from the sun to light your porch at night, making your outdoor lighting disappear completely from your electricity bill.

For “always on” security lighting, consider using a High-Intensity Discharge light or a low-pressure sodium light, as these are far more energy efficient than the alternatives. Of course, the best way to conserve energy and minimize light pollution is to not use any nighttime outdoor lighting at all.

Finally, for holiday lighting, use new light emitting diode (”LED”) light strings. LED lights are 90 percent more energy efficient than a traditional incandescent light bulb, last ten times longer, and are cool to the touch, reducing your chances of having a Chevy Chase Christmas. Plus, LED strings come in all the same cool colors and blinking patterns as traditional lights.

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