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Saving with Efficient Lighting Strategies
The most healthy and effectual changes are not always the most
noticeable or glamorous. Sometimes it’s the small, consistent efforts that produce
the greatest results. Efficient home lighting is such an example. Electric lighting
consumes almost 15 percent of household electricity. Using new lighting technologies
and application-based lighting design can reduce lighting energy use in homes by
50 to 75 percent, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). Installing lighting
controls, such as motion sensors, help you save more by reducing the amount of time
lights are on yet not serving a useful purpose.
The illumination in the home can be divided into three types: accent, task, and
ambient lighting, all of which can use different lighting strategies (including
different bulb types and sensors). Yet the majority of household illumination—despite
its intended use—is based on the traditional incandescent bulb with screw base.
Replacing incandescent bulbs different types of fluorescents is a quick way to reduce
household energy consumption. For example, a 60-watt incandescent uses 1.4 times
more kilowatts hours than a 60-watt equivalent CFL bulb that can provide the same
functions.
Fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
The bad rap fluorescent lamps received for their delayed start-ups,
buzzing, and bad color has flickered out as improvements in technology have resulted
in fluorescents with color temperatures and renditions comparable to incandescent
lamps. Fluorescent lamps use 25 to 35 percent of the energy used by incandescent
lamps to provide the same amount of illumination and last about 10 times longer.
Fluorescent lights are most popular in garages, utility rooms, and home offices
where heat would become an issue. They give about two-thirds to three-quarters less
heat than incandescent bulbs. The diffused light of a long fluorescent tube can
also provide non-glare accent lighting for interior decoration. The DOE suggests
that people “Install fluorescent light fixtures for all ceiling- and wall-mounted
fixtures that will be on for more than 2 hours each day.”
A newer fluorescent technology, the compact fluorescent light bulb
(CFL) looks like and fits incandescent fixtures but consumes only 20 to 33 percent
of the power of an equivalent incandescent lamp and lasts 13 times longer. An average
residential customer in Ohio who installs six CFL’s can save an estimated $49.25
annually. When it comes to practical applications, the most important criterion
for any bulb is its color rendition. The Color Rendition Index is a 1–100 scale
that measures a light's ability to show colors the same way sunlight does. CFL’s
rating falls between 65 and 88, which the DOE labels as “good.” A light source with
a rating of 80 or higher is considered acceptable for most indoor residential applications.
The DOE recommends the use of CFL’s in portable lighting fixtures that are operated
for more than 2 hours a day.
Free CFL Bulbs
How about free CFL bulbs and an annual electric savings of $50?
FirstEnergy's Ohio utilities, which include Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company,
and Toledo Edison, are providing just that. The CFL program provides residential
and small business customers with up to six high-efficiency bulbs delivered to their
home or business. The 23-watt bulbs are EnergyStar rated and designed to replace
the 100-watt incandescent bulbs. FirstEnergy will also distribute CFLs through other
channels, including its online store and local agencies that assist low-income customers.
Customers can also find CFL bulbs for 50 cents at participating home improvement
stores.
Advanced Lighting Controls
Advanced lighting controls, such as sensors and dimmers, can further
reduce a household’s lighting energy use and provide added convenience. Although
commonly used for outdoor security applications, discrete motion sensors can be
useful for task lighting inside the home as well. There is no denying that the ubiquitous
on-off toggle switch has its practical uses in the home but it completely relies
on human operation, which is susceptible to forgetfulness and carelessness. Motion
and infrared sensors are useful in areas such as the stove top, sink space, work
bench, bathroom mirror, hallway and closet. When the user approaches the space,
hands full with dishes or clothes, the sensor automatically switches the lights
on then turns them off shortly after no more movement is detected. Photo sensors,
which detect light, are added to many motion sensor controls to prevent lights from
turning on unnecessarily during daylight hours or when another light source is providing
illumination. Dimmer switches that control the brightness level are another simple
and inexpensive strategy to save energy and customize the amount of light you need.
It is important to install dimmers that are compatible to the type of bulb.
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