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Low-energy light bulbs have been shown to have positive effects on the environment, but some consumers don’t consider how they can save energy by lighting their homes with environmentally-friendly light bulb products. Replacing old-fashioned light bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs, high-efficiency halogen lamps and LED bulbs can significantly reduce electricity use and expense over time. How you ask?
- How Much Are We Spending? American households spent an average of $99.70 per month on electricity in 2007, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- How Is Electricity Used in Our Homes? Home appliances (non-HVAC) consumed 65% of household electricity according to data collected by the EIA in 2001. Of that total, lighting accounted for 9%, second only to refrigerators at 14%.
- Should I Replace My Refrigerator Now? At first glance, one might think that replacing the fridge is the best place to start on a plan to improve electrical efficiency. But despite the fact that current models are 40% more efficient than those sold in 2001 according to ENERGY STAR, an investment in a refrigerator has a long payback period. A new fridge will save about $6 a month in electricity costs (this figure would vary based on local electricity rates). Given that refrigerators start at about $600, it will take a minimum of 8 years to recoup the purchase price.
Save Energy on Lighting
By replacing existing incandescent bulbs with low-energy light bulbs, homeowners can immediately see a reduction in electricity use and expense. ENERGY STAR qualified low-energy light bulbs consume 75% less power than incandescent lamps and last 10 times longer. And the potential to save energy on lighting your home is greater ($7 per month) than for refrigeration.
Don’t assume that you have to accept inferior light to realize savings. We’ve hand-picked high quality, low-energy light bulbs that cast flattering light in residential and certain small business settings.
A Better Place to Start
Our most energy-efficient CFLs cost less than $6, and have a payback period shorter than a year if lit for just 3 hours per day. By investing $100 on a basket of quality CFLs right now, the savings will equal that much in about a year and grow to several hundred dollars over the life of the bulbs.
Not sure where to begin? Think about the areas of the home that are lit for at least 2 or more hours each day, including the kitchen, the family or great room, a home office and the bedrooms. And don’t forget the home’s exterior:there are huge savings to be had by switching to low-energy light bulbs in any fixtures that remain on all night long. Then, try our Bulb Finder for some bright bulb ideas, and begin a quest to save energy on lighting in your home with eco-friendly bulbs.