What does changing one little light bulb do? A lot, actually. Electricity usage for lighting purposes usually consumes around 25% of a household’s energy budget. While switching to a CFL or LED light bulb may cost more in terms of purchase price, you save a lot of money in the long run, as these bulbs have a much longer lifespan than incandescent light bulbs. In addition, they come in a variety of size, shapes and wattages and are easy to fix. Newer CFL’s give a warm light, don’t flicker and produce instant brightness. They can also be used with dimmers. And of course, they reduce air and water pollution. Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL, will keep a half-ton of Co2 out of the atmosphere.
A single CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light bulb) lasts up to 10 times longer, from 5-7 years depending on frequency of usage. And, it uses one quarter the electricity of an incandescent light bulb. Those that are Energy Star rated use 75% less electricity. CFL bulbs come in a variety of sizes, shapes and wattage. They generate less heat, thus saving on your cooling costs as well. And of course, they give off fewer gas emissions. A single CFL bulb can save up to 500 pounds of coal. With regards to wattage, because they are very efficient, a low watt fluorescent bulb will brighten the room with the same intensity of a high watt incandescent bulb. So you may need to buy a lower watt bulb to achieve the look you want. More money saved!
LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are mercury free, use one-tenth the electricity of an incandescent light bulb, and are a great Eco-alternative to incandescent and halogen light bulbs. Each bulb can last 10,000 - 50, 0000 hours, depending on wattage and usage. They are hardy and resist vibration and shock, making them a reliable light source.
Halogen bulbs use a mixture of tungsten filament and halogen gas to last up to 3 times longer than an incandescent bulb. They also emit more light per unit energy, making them ideal for desks and work stations.
So, what are some of the sites you can visit?
Department of Energy: Learn about energy usage on www.doe.gov
Eco Logo: A North American certification program that rates the Eco-safety of around 7,000 products in 120 categories. Visit www.ecologo.org
Energy Star: A rating that ensures the product is significantly more energy efficient that the minimum government standards. Visit www.energystar.gov
Green Seal: An independent non profit organization that ensures products meet environmental leadership standards. Visit www.greenseal.org
What are some of the ways to save electricity?
1. One obvious way is to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
2. You could also fit movement sensors so lights are activated only when needed. Great places to fit these are on your porch or home entrance.
3. Use natural light effectively. Place your work station close to a window to let maximum natural light in. Use blinds, drapes and thin curtains to get privacy, yet allow the light to come in.
4. Paint your walls with a lighter color to reflect the natural light.
5. Switch to Eco friendly bulbs. If you can’t switch to them, then try using lower wattage bulbs. You’ll save both money and energy.
6. Use dimmers to control the amount of light you need. These can be really effective in places like bathrooms, where you need just a little amount of light on your night trip to the WC.
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