Guide to Efficient Lighting

Submitted by reapadmin on January 20, 2012 - 4:44pm

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Changing just six of your most used incandescent bulbs to CFLs can save you $60 per year.

Compared to traditional bulbs:

  • Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer
  • Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) use 85% less energy and last up to 100 times longer
  • Halogens operate similar to an incandescent, though they often last longer

Energy efficient bulbs can fit most household sockets and fixtures, making the switch simple. 

 

How to Choose a Bulb

Choosing the right bulb for each fixture can be challenging with so many options at your disposal. There are some basic rules of thumb when looking for the right bulb.  First, not all CFLs are made equally. Experts recommend sticking with trusted name brands for a quality bulb that will not burn out prematurely. Second, note that not all LEDs and CFLs are dimmable. Choose a bulb that specifically says that it is dimmable. Use the same approach when shopping for bulbs to work with motion sensors and electric timers. There is no reason to sacrifice ambiance and convenience while saving energy. A common mistake when replacing bulbs is to install CFLs in recessed canned fixtures, which lack sufficient airflow and can cause them to overheat and burn out. 

LEDs are ideal for outdoor lighting and flashlights, where bulb replacement is inconvenient and there is less emphasis on the color of light. For CFLs installed outside, check the label for temperature ranges, as extremely low temperatures can affect some bulbs. A local hardware or lighting retailer might be able to assist you. Another option is a mobile app that addresses exactly this problem called “Light Bulb Finder” by EcoHatch. See also NRDC’s guide for choosing a more efficient bulb. Back to Top

Lumens – How Bright is My Light?

You will find new light bulb labels on the packaging of your bulbs to help you choose the most effective bulb for your needs. On these labels you’ll find a new way to distinguish your bulb’s brightness in ‘lumens.’ Lumens are a measurement of the amount of light, as opposed to ‘watts’ which measures the amount of electricity used. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the source will be. A 23-watt CFL produces the same amount of light,1600 lumens, as a 100-watt incandescent. Likewise a 14-watt CFL produces the same amount of light, 800 lumens, as a 60-watt incandescent. Many labels provide the equivalency numbers as we adjust to the new lighting measurements. 

TIP:  The life of the bulb can also be found on the label, which estimates how long the bulb will last.  For hard to reach fixtures, a longer lasting bulb might be a high priority for you. Back to Top

What Color is My Light?

When they first came to the market, CFLs had a limited range of tones that received many complaints. Today there are various colors of light with CFLs and LEDs, from a soft yellow glow to a bright white light. Look for the Kelvin (K) ratings on the label.  The higher the number, the cooler (bluer or whiter) the light is. Common Kelvin ratings are 2700K (warm), 3000 – 5000K (bright) and 5500K (daylight). Some retailers even display different colored bulbs for you to experience before you buy. A traditional incandescent was approximately 2,700 K. An illustration of the different colors can be found here. 

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Calculate My Savings

If every American home replaced one light bulb with an Energy Star-rated light bulb, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year.[1] 

Efficient bulbs will cost more up front but will pay for themselves in electricity savings.  LEDs cost the most, but continue to drop in price as they become more popular.  Remember that one LED turned on for seven hours a day could last an average of 17 years. New bulb packaging calculates your savings for you. Just look on the package for an estimated yearly energy cost. There are also many bulb calculators available online to help you calculate savings based on your electric rate and the hours of day the bulb is used. Energy Star provides an online calculator which helps you estimate your savings, pay-off and lifespan. Back to Top

Mercury in CFLs

CFLs do contain trace amounts of mercury, so it is important to dispose of them properly.  No mercury is emitted while the bulbs are in use, and because CFLs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, they reduce demand for electricity, which in turn means less greenhouse gas emissions and less mercury is ultimately released into the atmosphere.  In Alaska, you can recycle your CFLs at most large hardware retailers.  Call ahead to confirm.  Back to Top

2012 Lighting Standards:  What’s the Law?

The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act has now begun to phase out traditional incandescent bulbs for more efficient varieties, starting with the 100-watt bulb in 2012.  By 2020, all bulbs must be 70% more efficient than they are today. You will still be able to buy incandescent bulbs; they will just be more efficient. The law is designed to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and to make the US less dependent on foreign sources of energy.  Back to Top

Commercial & Business Lighting

Old, inefficient 40-watt T-12 fluorescent lamps should be replaced with 32-watt T-8 or T-5 lamps and electronic ballasts. The “T” stands for tubular; the shape of the lamp. This switch can save your home, office or business 35 to 50% in electricity costs (wattage varies for T-5 lamps). T-12 fluorescent lamps can be identified by their 1.5 inch diameter and are one of the most common but least efficient fluorescent systems. The National Lighting Product Information Program provides more information on T-8 fluorescent lamps.

Efficient fluorescent light ballasts are required to ensure your light fixtures work properly.  Ballasts for fluorescent lighting provide the initial electricity that creates the light, and then regulates the flow of electricity through the bulb.  There are many different types of ballasts, so research should be done to ensure safe, efficient lighting. 

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Street Lighting

Roadway lighting consumes 10% to 38% of municipalities’ electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.  In 2008 the City of Anchorage implemented the first large-scale municipal LED retrofit in the US, purchasing over 4,000 LEDs, and saving an estimated $360,000 annually.   Back to Top

Conserve Energy

Of course, you can always save energy by turning off your lights.  Conserving energy involves changing behavior in order to reduce energy consumption.  Encourage your household or business to turn off the lights when a room is not in use.  Open your shades during the day and use the natural sunlight when possible.  Are lamps or other task lighting an option for your reading chair or some of your workstations?   Other tips for saving energy at home can be found at:  http://www.akenergyefficiency.org/home/save_money.