Energy Efficient Lights: Homeowners Plug In To Energy Savings With Energy Efficient Lights

(HIT) - Demand is growing among homeowners for energy efficient lights. The increased demand for energy efficiency lighting products is driven by both economic and environmental concerns. Consumers are watching dollars in the face of rising energy costs, but they’re also becoming more aware of the environmental challenges we face, and the difference we can make as individual consumers.

To address the demand for more energy efficient lights, the lighting industry has engaged its research and development capabilities to create a wide range of new energy efficient indoor/outdoor residential light fixtures and lamp sources (light bulbs). The result is a family of screw-in and plug-in type compact fluorescent (CF) lamps, low voltage lamps, and high intensity discharge (H.I.D.) lamps. In addition to these innovative lamp sources, light fixture manufacturers like Halo Lighting and Metalux Lighting have responded with new low voltage track lights, highly functional and aesthetically pleasing recessed light fixtures, surface mounted fluorescent light fixtures, and sturdy, well-designed energy efficient outdoor lights.

Energy Efficient Light Fixtures Are Attractive

As a result of the industry’s efforts, homeowners can now find a wide range of good looking, energy efficient light fixtures and bulbs for virtually all indoor and outdoor residential lighting situations. According to Jeff Bucar, National Marketing Manager for Halo Lighting, today’s homeowner can benefit from a wide selection of energy efficient recessed downlighting fixtures that can be combined with literally hundreds of different trim choices. In addition, low voltage track light fixtures, available in a broad spectrum of shapes, sizes and finishes, and attractive wall sconces will add that finishing touch to any interior decor.

Consumers are also discovering great new interior design applications using standard fluorescent tubes (linear fluorescent) to create warm cove lighting effects. On the outdoor scene, energy efficient light fixtures serving the homeowner include a line of surface mounted cast brackets from Halo Lighting that employ compact fluorescent (CF) lamps.

Energy Efficient Lights Offer Plenty Of Illumination

Changing energy thirsty incandescent light bulbs and/or fixtures to newer, energy efficient alternatives can provide equivalent illumination for a small fraction of the cost over time, and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced as well. As an added benefit, these new energy efficient lights typically offer a life span that is ten times longer than that of a common light bulb.

To illustrate his point, Bucar noted that the typical A-lamp (incandescent bulb), which costs about a buck, has a life expectancy of 750 to 1,000 hours. Compact fluorescent lamps offering equivalent illumination promise a life expectancy of around 10,000 hours, for about ten times the price. In other words, the costs of both lamps are virtually the same for 10,000 hours of service. The savings come in the reduced energy demands, and reduced energy costs needed to burn the lamps.

By replacing one 60 watt incandescent light bulb with a 13W compact fluorescent lamp, you can enjoy virtually the same light output and benefit from an annual energy savings of around $10.00 per bulb (based on 8 cents/KWH). Given these facts, the lamp source of choice should be clear enough, notes Bucar.

Energy Efficient Lighting Is Versatile Too!

As a result of product design efforts aimed at addressing both the functional and aesthetic requirements of homeowners, the common misconception that energy efficient lighting is ugly has been put to rest. Energy efficient lighting fixtures are now as attractive as any.

From the kitchen to the bedroom, laundry room and garage, energy efficient lighting has finally come of age. Compact fluorescent lamps can now be used in wall sconces illuminating stairwells and hallways, in downlight fixtures over kitchen counters, in task light fixtures over a garage workbench, and in general, ambient lighting applications all around the home.

Energy Efficient Track Lighting

Halo’s low voltage track light fixtures are now commonly used to artwork and provide atmosphere illumination, such as dramatic uplighting of floor plants. Metalux surface mounted fluorescent fixtures in decorator finishes are designed to function in both kitchens and laundry rooms. Additional applications for this linear light source in the home include cove lighting, garage lighting and basement/utility room lighting.

As you bring your home’s interior lighting into the 21st century, don’t overlook the exterior lighting for your home, as this, too, can lower your monthly utility bill, says Bucar. Compact fluorescent cast brackets are effective fixtures for illuminating a backyard patio or deck. High Intensity Discharge lamps and fixtures from Lumark Lighting and McGraw-Edison Lighting are ideal for landscape lighting, driveway illumination, and general outdoor lighting. Using energy efficient lamps for these outdoor applications, homeowners will discover they can cut their energy costs by as much as 80% when compared to conventional fixtures.

"The wise homeowner should take some time to visit a local lighting showroom or electrical supply company," Bucar said. "You will find trained professionals who can demonstrate and recommend a variety of energy efficient lighting solutions and answer your questions." You’ll find the lighting showroom an indispensable advantage. Working with an expert, you’ll be able to plan and pick energy efficient lights for every area of your home.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center