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Energy costs
associated with lighting can be reduced by four simple words: turn
off the lights. However, there are some lighting and lighting
control products available that can reduce your electrical
consumption even when the lights are on. These products will help
save you some money, while reducing your impact on the
environment.
Compact
fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are a fluorescent light source that
replaces the incandescent lamps in the fixtures of your home.
Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and wattages, they
provide as much light as an incandescent lamp while using only one
third of the energy. CFLs also have a lamp life of ten times that
of a typical incandescent lamp.
While the
purchase price of a CFL is higher than that of an incandescent
lamp, you will recoup the cost through energy savings and through
the extended lamp life. Some of the latest innovations in CFL
technology include the introduction of compact fluorescent
“tri-light” light bulbs as well as CFLs that are compatible with
dimming switches.
Light emitting
diodes (LEDs)
can reduce energy consumption and costs by 90 percent compared to
an incandescent bulb and are expected to become an effective
replacement technology for inefficient lamps in the years ahead.
Before that can happen on a large scale, however, manufacturers
must address outstanding issues related to
LED efficacy
and cost. Although some
LED lamps are
now available for desktop or direct lighting applications, the use
of this technology in the residential sector is currently quite
limited. LEDs
have found a niche in the decorative light string market, where
they are functional, attractive and cost-competitive with
incandescent lights. In fact,
LED is the only
technology that currently meets the ENERGY STAR specification for
decorative light strings. Despite the current limitations, great
strides are being made and this technology will continue to evolve
over time.
Fluorescent
lighting is another alternative for energy-efficiency. Look for
products with electronic ballasts, which operate at higher
frequencies and use a smaller diameter lamp. This makes the light
more energy-efficient and eliminates the “flicker” associated with
old technology. Fluorescent lighting is available in a variety of
fixture styles, including decorative.
Halogen
lighting is an improved incandescent light source, providing a
whiter light with slightly increased energy-efficiency. Halogen
lamps come in a variety of sizes and wattages, and are available
in either line voltage (120V) or low voltage (12V) configurations.
Halogen lighting is commonly found in recessed lighting, track
lighting and flood lighting.
Why not take
advantage of a readily available light source – the sun!
Many
homeowners enjoy the natural lighting that skylights provide.
However, skylights often do not distribute light evenly, are a
significant source of energy loss, and can cause UV damage to
carpets and furniture. Tubular skylights, on the other hand, use
the sun for lighting interiors without the drawbacks associated
with conventional skylights. They are generally easier to install
than typical skylights and, from the home's interior, resemble
conventional lighting fixtures.
Tubular
skylights have a roof-mounted light collector typically consisting
of an acrylic lens set in a metal frame. Most have a reflective
sun scoop in the rooftop assembly that directs sunlight into a
metal or plastic tube which has a highly reflective interior
coating. The reflective tube guides the sunlight to a diffuser
lens, mounted on the interior ceiling surface, that spreads light
evenly throughout the room. The shape of the scoop is generally
parabolic to reflect sunlight into the home regardless of the
sun's angle in the sky.
Some tubular
skylights have integrated electrical lights so the fixture can
provide light both day and night and some have integrated baffles
to regulate the amount of incoming sunlight.
Aside from
switching the type of lighting you use, there are also a number of
different lighting controls that can reduce your home’s energy
consumption – and simplify the operation of your home. Consider
installing dimmer switches. In addition to providing energy
savings and extending the lamp life, dimmers adjust the ambience
for any room in the house. Dimmer switches can also be used for
landscape, yard and other outdoor lighting.
Occupancy
sensors automatically turn lights on when they detect motion; they
can also conveniently replace wall switches in laundry rooms,
storage rooms, washrooms and garages. These sensors are
particularly handy when you are entering or leaving a room with
your hands full. Valuable energy savings will be realized with a
system that automatically shuts lights off when the room is
unoccupied.
Motion sensors
are also useful for outdoor security lighting around the side
yard, backyard and garage. Ensure that the sensitivity setting on
the motion sensor – and direction of the lighting – are not set
too low to avoid unnecessary and annoying operation of the
security lighting.
Photocells are useful in automatically turning outdoor lighting on
at dusk and off at dawn. Minimize the lamp wattage to reduce
energy consumption. Timeclocks will automatically turn lights on
and based on any time you specify. Timeclocks can be used to
control table fixtures (for security purposes while on vacation),
or be used to control outdoor or landscape lighting. They’re often
used in conjunction with photocells, which turn lights on at dusk
and then off at a preset time.
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