Lighting
Posted on 28. Apr, 2010 by Anna in Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficient Homes, General Articles
In the average home, about 10% of your energy bill is due to your lighting. If you change the lighting in your home for the better, the chances are good that you’ll lessen your energy consumption. By using the lighting technologies of today, you can lessen the use of energy due to lighting by as much as 75%. There are now various lighting controls that can allow you to further save energy and money.
Indoor lighting
Inside your home, you can use compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or linear fluorescent tubes for high quality energy-saving light. These fluorescent lights work better than standard bulbs. Additionally, the lifespan of standard bulbs can be up to twelve times shorter than that of fluorescent lamps.
The CFLs currently on the market are comparable to incandescent lamps as far as color rendition as well as brightness. However, many people are uncertain of whether they should choose CFLs over incandescent bulbs, because the price is quite a bit higher. But using CFLs for your indoor lighting can actually save you money in the long run, since they’re as bright as incandescent bulbs while consuming less energy.
Outdoor lighting
More often than not, outdoor lighting is used not only for ambiance but also added security for the property, especially during the night. If you’re in the market for outdoor lights, you may be surprised to find a wide array of outdoor lighting available today. Some outdoor lamps use low voltage while others only light up when detecting motion in the area. Today, many front yards and back yards are lit by light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are high performance outdoor lights and also very durable. They tolerate changes in temperature and endure environmental pollutants as well, making them perfect for outdoors, as they last longer compared to other types of outdoor lamps.
Whether seeking lights for your living room or your patio, be sure to look for LED products that bear the Energy Star label. This helps ensure you’re getting inexpensive yet safe lighting for your home. Outdoor and indoor lights with the Energy Star label are very energy-efficient. This helps protect the environment and cuts expenses on your energy bill at the same time.
