|
|
|
|
|
|
| Energy-Wise Lighting Tips |
|
 |
|
| California's current energy crisis has made conserving electricity a hot topic nationwide. No wonder. The energy emergency is not just a California phenomenon. The North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) predicts New England, New York City and Texas could experience electricity shortages as well. The result? Double-digit price increases for most of the nation and higher than expected demand for electricity. |
|
| Fortunately, homeowners can slice their electric bill without being left in the dark. "Today, lighting technology permits you to enjoy a comfortable, pleasing and elegant lifestyle without wasting precious natural resources," says Dan Blitzer, consulting technical lighting expert for the ALA. |
|
| According to the American Lighting Association, lights account for 25% of a homeowner's electric bill. "There are a lot of other energy guzzlers in the house besides lighting," says Monty Gilbertson, CLC. "But everyone thinks of lighting first because that what you see." In addition to trimming your lighting bill, Gilbertson suggests checking the energy efficiency of other appliances as well. "Put your electric water heater on timer," he says. "Look at your washer and dryer, freezer, refrigerator, heat pump. All these compressor-driven devices push the electric bill up." |
|
|
| Get Expert Advice |
|
| The lighting specialists at your local LAMPS LIGHTING DESIGN can help you compare light sources, choose bulbs and cut your energy costs. |
|
| While there, be sure ask for a demonstration on how lighting controls can help create a scheme with multiple uses and effects. |
|
|
IN ADDITION TO TURNING OFF LIGHTS
WHEN NOT USING THEM,
TRY THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS:
|
CONSIDER FLUORESCENTS
Consumers can cut costs quickly by switching from incandescent bulbs or fixtures to compact fluorescents. While incandescent bulbs are inexpensive to buy, they consume more energy than any other type of bulb and have a relatively short life, making operating costs high. Fluorescent lighting is now available in over 200 colors, ranging from the warm white tones of incandescent light to cool white tones similar to daylight. Energy-efficient fluorescents use one-fifth to one-third the electricity of a comparably bright incandescent bulb and last 10-20 times longer.
The dollar saved amount depends on how long a light operates. If you operate a security light from dusk to dawn or 4,000 hours/year and replace the 100 watt incandescent light bulb with a 32 watt compact fluorescent lamp the savings is about $26/year per fixture. Fluorescents usually last 2.5 years, so you also save time and inconvenience of not having to change bulbs frequently.
SWITCH YOUR SWITCHES
Dimmers allow you to reduce lighting when you don't need it, which saves both energy and light bulbs. Occupancy sensors turn lights off after you leave the room or shut the closet door -- even if you forget.
Dimmers are often overlooked, but will save energy. If you reduce your voltage 10% on a dimmer, you will double the bulb life and save energy and money. To dim fluorescents, use a special dimming ballast, as well as a dimmer that is compatible with fluorescents.
MOVE TO MOTION DETECTORS
Motion detectors offer another bright idea for snipping the electric bill. "These are great for outside lighting," says Gilbertson. "You have security, but the light shuts off when not needed." |
|
LIGHT IN LAYERS
Those lighting new homes for the first time might consider a less is more approach. "Think of lighting in layers," says Blitzer. "Start with the spots where lights are most important -- where tasks are performed, like reading. Don't accent everything in the living room, just the important stuff. This allows a thinning of lights without the house looking dark and will save energy."
ADD CEILING FANS
"Ceiling fans are a great way to conserve electricity year-round," says John Pearson, Vice President, Marketing, of Casablanca Fans. "They are economical and energy efficient, utilizing about the same energy as a 100 watt light bulb." Ceiling fans don't actually lower the temperature of a room like an air conditioner. But by spinning the air, they create a wind chill effect that makes you feel up to eight degrees cooler.
Simply raising a thermostat setting two degrees will save about 14% on energy consumption. Studies show that setting ceiling fans to spin in a counter-clockwise pattern, will save as much as 40% off summer cooling bills -- without sweltering. Simply set the thermostat a few degrees higher and flip on the fan. In the winter, ceiling fans move warm air back to the center of the room, pushing it down from the ceiling and helping homeowners save as much as 10% on their heating bills. Simply switch the direction of the blades to spin clockwise and turn on the fan. |
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2008 LampsLightingDesign Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy
|
