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Is your budget squeezed by high electric bills? Put your house on an energy “diet.” Here is how:
Install new bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR−approved LED bulbs offer similar light quality to traditional incandescents and use the least amount of energy, while compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs use about 75 percent less energy.
Install dimmers. Homeowners can create ambience by installing dimmers specifically made to work with bulb types such as incandescents, LEDs and CFLs. These dimmers reduce problems associated with dimming LEDs and CFLs, such as fading and flickering, saving energy without giving up the desired "atmosphere" homeowners want.
Control temperature. Homeowners can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling costs by just turning the thermostat back seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Turn off the lights. Occupancy/vacancy sensors can be installed in rooms where light is needed only occasionally. They can tell when people enter or leave a room and turn the lights on and off automatically. Sensors can save up to 50 percent in lighting costs. Occupancy/vacancy sensing switches can be installed in bathrooms, children’s rooms, garages and laundry rooms.
Use proper window treatments and adjustable shades. Some shades are insulated, and even remote-controlled for hard-to-reach windows that may let unwanted sun or cold air inside. Several shades can be controlled with a single remote.
According to the Department of Energy:
Traditional incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy to produce light: 90% of the energy is given off as heat. That lost energy is money we are throwing away.
Light your home using the same amount of light for less money. Upgrading 15 inefficient incandescent lightbulbs in your home could save you about $50 per year.
CFL bulbs are now available in a range of light colors, including warm (white to yellow) tones that were not as available when first introduced. Some are encased in a cover to further diffuse the light and provide a similar shape to the bulbs you are replacing. If you are looking for a dimmable bulb, check the package to make sure you purchase a CFL with that feature.
The light emitting diode (LED) is a type of solid-state lighting - semiconductors that convert electricity into light. Although once known mainly for instrument and traffic lights, LEDs in general applications are one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing technologies. ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use only 20%–25% of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they replace.
LED bulbs are available in many products such as replacements for 40W, 60W, and 75W traditional incandescents, reflector bulbs often used in recessed fixtures, and small track lights. While LEDs are more expensive, they still save money because they last a long time and have very low energy use. As with other electronics, prices are expected to come down as more products enter the market.
Energy-saving, or halogen, incandescents have a capsule inside that holds gas around a filament to increase bulb efficiency. This type of incandescent bulb is about 25% more efficient and can last up to three times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are available in a wide range of shapes and colors, and can be used with dimmers.
Measuring Light in Lumens
New efficiency standards require lightbulbs to consume less electricity (watts) for the amount of light produced (lumens). The traditional, inefficient incandescent 100 watt (W) bulbs are giving way to choices - including newer incandescent bulbs - that use only 72 W or less to provide you a comparable amount of light (lumens). If you are replacing a 100W bulb, a good rule of thumb is to look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. Your new bulb should provide that level of brightness for no more than 72W, cutting your energy bill.
