Did you know that 50% to 70% of the world’s lights are still tired old incandescent bulbs? They account for 2.5% of the world’s energy consumption. Chances are, you’re probably using them in your home right now.
If so, consider making a change. If the USA changed all its incandescent bulbs to ENERGY STAR certified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), it would save 80 terawatt hours (twh) every year. Replacing on a global scale would achieve an annual CO2 reduction of 230 million tons.
And a change to energy efficient lighting would still mean the same amount of visible light in your home; in fact, your smile will be brighter when the utility bill arrives.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs use one quarter to one third of the power an old fashioned equivalent would need. They produce 50 – 70 lumens per watt, compared with a mere 10 – 17.
But how much will this change cost?
Although compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are typically more expensive, each energy saving bulb you install will save over 5 times its purchase price. While the old standard bulb will lose its spark after 750 – 1,000 hours, the energy efficient fluorescent alternative will still be running strong. Energy saving lighting will burn for 6,000 to 15,000 hours.
Combine this with the energy savings and imagine how much you’ll save. A household that invests $90, changing 30 fixtures will save between $440 and $1500 over the next 5 years. To roughly estimate your savings, take a look at your utility bill. Now imagine a saving of around 12%. All this from simply changing your light bulbs!
Energy saving lighting can take a little longer to warm up, especially in colder rooms, but it’s rare to wait longer than one minute for a fluorescent bulb to reach its full brightness. However, if you really can’t wait, there are Hybrid CFLs, which use a Halogen light that switches off once the fluorescent lamp has warmed up.
Another advantage to energy saving lighting is that it also produces far less heat, while still emitting a bright, warm light. You can find a number of energy efficient lighting options at your local hardware store, in lighting showrooms, retail outlets and online stores.
Energy Star lamps must meet certain standards for efficiency, starting time, life expectancy, light color, and consistency of performance.
To learn more about energy saving lighting options and possibilities, contact a RESNET Qualified EnergySmart Contractor to guide you in your choice.