Even on hotter days, our air-conditioned homes provide comforting coolness until the very top energy billIt is here. The American Lighting Association (ALA), offers these easy ways to conserve energy and money.
CFLs can replace bulbs
Replace incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent ones.
“A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) can provide the same amount of light as an incandescent by using only one-quarter of the electricity,”Joe Rey-Barreau is an education consultant for ALA and associate professor at University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design.
“One of the great myths regarding lighting today is that the federal government is ‘banning’ incandescent lighting,” Rey-Barreau says. “This is false. Incandescent lighting is not being banned. The new legislation is only affecting the standard 100-watt incandescent bulb, which will no longer be sold beginning in 2012. However, an incandescent bulb that uses only 72 watts will replace it. This new bulb uses halogen incandescent technology to produce a more efficient incandescent bulb.”
Ceiling fans can be installed
In rooms that are frequently occupied, install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans consume a fraction of electricity as an AC unit. A ceiling fan can raise the temperature six degrees, or to 78 degrees, and make a space feel as comfortable as if it was 72 degrees.
Use lighting controls
Light controls can be a great option to save energy. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a complete control system that requires wiring the whole house. It is possible to control light using less expensive methods than those that use motion sensors, photocells, or other devices that work in accordance with light levels, timesrs, or dimmers.
Lighting has never been more efficient thanks to cutting-edge technology. To receive energy-saving tips from professionals, visit an ALA member lighting showroom. Go to www.ALA-members.org to find a local showroom. www.americanlightingassoc.com.
