Energy Smart
Tips on how to live a greener lifestyle 
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IN THIS ISSUE
3 Energy-Efficient Lighting Options
An Ill-Lumen-ating New Label
Energy Star Light Bulbs Excel
January Energy Saving Tip

ENERGY SMART - January 2012

 

To meet new lighting standards that will phase in from 2012-2014, common light bulbs sold in the U.S. will typically use about 25% to 80% less energy. Lighting accounts for about 10% of home electricity use, and it's estimated that the new standards will save U.S. households nearly $6 billion dollars in 2015 alone.     

    

 

3 Energy-Efficient Lighting Options...

Energy-saving incandescents provide around 25% energy savings and have a capsule inside that holds gas around a filament to increase bulb efficiency. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) provide about 75% energy savings and are simply curly versions of the long tube fluorescent lights commonly seen in kitchens and garages. The light emitting diode (LED) provides 75-80% energy savings using same technology as a cell phone's indicator light. Click here for more information.

 


An Ill-Lumen-ating New Label

The Federal Trade Commission will require a new product label for light bulbs in the coming months that will describe light bulbs based on how much light they give (lumens) rather than how much energy they consume (watts). For more information, click here.

 


Energy Star Light Bulbs Excel

The Energy Star® program, discussed in last month's Energy Smart newsletter, helps identify light bulbs that meet strict performance guidelines and use 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb. For help finding a nearby retailer of Energy Star light bulbs, click here.

 


Sun  

January Energy Saving Tip

 

Plan your lighting. Not every room needs the same amount of general light, so plan within a room to provide general background lighting and supplementary task lighting. Use natural lighting by opening curtains and shades during the day. Turn off lights when not in use, even for short periods of time.

 


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