[ Light Up Your Life: Tips for Efficient Lighting ]

Light Up Your Life:
Tips for Efficient Lighting

 

Ever since George W.
Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 which
boosted efficiency standards for lighting, consumers have seen a surge
in light bulb choices, from halogen
incandescent bulbs and LEDs,
to CFLs.

As the law is implemented over the next few years, prices for energy efficient bulbs are dropping. Here are some tips for lighting up your life with less energy:

• Find the
  right fit. Use this fun interactive website
  from Energy Star to see which bulbs can be used in which fixture types,
  including 3-way and dimmable options. This handy comparison
  chart from bulbrite also allows you to pick the right replacement for your
  existing bulbs.

• Halogen
  Incandescent? LED? CFL? From an efficiency standpoint, LEDs are the best
  option. They also achieve full brightness instantly and work well with dimmers.
  Although the sticker price is still well above other options, prices are going
  down and they can last over twice as long as CFLs. Read this field
  test of LEDs to choose the best option. 
  

• Check for
  the Energy Star label. Without the Energy Star label, manufacturer’s claims
  aren’t verified. Be sure you see the blue star label on bulbs you purchase.

• Meet
  Lumens. With efficient bulbs, the amount of energy it takes to light a room
  is less important than the amount of light it produces. “Lumens” is a measure
  of this light and is labeled on new bulbs. To learn how to decipher a bulb’s
  lumens rating, watch
  this video.

• Recycle
  CFLs. Because of their mercury content, many jurisdictions require you to
  recycle CFLs. Use this guide
  from the Environmental Protection Agency to find a facility near you. Many
  retailers like Home Depot and Ace Hardware also offer CFL recycling
  on-site.   

• Light the
  future. New lightning technology is working seamlessly with smartphone
  apps, like this program from
  Smart Home Labs that lets you control your LEDs from your phone or tablet.

• Bust some
  lighting myths. Incandescent bulbs being banned? Not so. Visit the Lumen
  Collation website to bust this and other common myths around new light bulb
  standards.

 

Want more guidance
about purchasing energy-efficient, money-saving bulbs for your home? Check out
this handy resource from EarthShare member charity NRDC before you replace
your bulbs!