LIGHT THE WAY TO THE FUTURE. Your go-to guide to energy-efficient lighting

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Anabel Cleopatra Carr
5 years ago
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1 LIGHT THE WAY TO THE FUTURE Your go-to guide to energy-efficient lighting

2 BULBS HAVE NEVER BEEN BETTER Saving energy in your home could be as easy as changing a light bulb. Due to the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), light bulb efficiency is at an all-time high. Today s LED bulbs offer long-lasting performance and use substantially less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, saving you both time and money. Since many traditional incandescent bulbs have already been phased out, it s more important than ever to understand modern energy-efficient lighting options. This booklet is your handy guide to choosing the best light bulbs for your needs.

3 CONTENTS Understanding EISA and the light bulb evolution Understanding the Lighting Facts label What are LEDs? Watts vs. lumens Choosing the right color Lighting that lasts a generation ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs Getting the most from your energy-efficient bulbs Selecting the correct bulb for your fixture Other ways to save

4 UNDERSTANDING EISA AND THE LIGHT BULB EVOLUTION In 2007, Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), which required 30 percent higher efficiency standards for light bulbs. The law helps consumers save both energy and money, as even a standard energy-efficient LED bulb can last years with no sacrifice to actual light quality. Most 40 W, 60 W, 75 W and 100 W medium screw base incandescent bulbs have been phased out, encouraging consumers to instead take advantage of more energy-efficient halogen and LED bulbs. While decorative and special-purpose bulbs (e.g., three-way, candelabra base) were unaffected by the EISA legislation, the industry still closely monitors their sales. 3

UNDERSTANDING THE LIGHTING FACTS LABEL The Lighting Facts label can help you choose the right bulb for your lighting needs. The label provides the following information: 1. BRIGHTNESS (in lumens) 2.

5 UNDERSTANDING THE LIGHTING FACTS LABEL The Lighting Facts label can help you choose the right bulb for your lighting needs. The label provides the following information: 1. BRIGHTNESS (in lumens) 2. ENERGY COST (for one year) 3. LIFE EXPECTANCY (estimated life of the bulb) 4. LIGHT APPEARANCE (color temperature) 5. WATTAGE (amount of energy the bulb uses) 6. MERCURY (shows if the bulb contains mercury) 4

WHAT ARE LEDS? LEDs, or light emitting diodes, are semiconductor devices that produce visible light when an electrical current passes through them.

6 WHAT ARE LEDS? LEDs, or light emitting diodes, are semiconductor devices that produce visible light when an electrical current passes through them. LED lighting can be more efficient, durable, versatile and longer lasting than halogen and CFL bulbs. As technology has advanced and prices have gone down, LED bulbs have become commonplace for general lighting applications. They also offer unique design opportunities. LEDs are capable of producing light very similar to the look and feel of traditional bulbs, but they use far less energy and can last up to 15 times longer. These super-efficient bulbs come in various styles and tones for virtually any lighting need.

7 WATTS = ENERGY USED LUMENS = BRIGHTNESS 60 W incandescent bulb = 800 lumens INCANDESCENT uses 60 W HALOGEN uses 43 W CFL uses 14 W LED uses 10 W WATTS LUMENS WATTS LUMENS WATTS LUMENS WATTS LUMENS Modern bulbs don t compromise brightness. 6

8 WARM OR SOFT WHITE 2,700 3,000 Kelvin NEUTRAL OR COOL WHITE 3,500 4,100 Kelvin SUNLIGHT OR DAYLIGHT 5,000 6,500 Kelvin CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR Light color is measured on a temperature scale referred to as Kelvin (K).

9 LIGHTING THAT LASTS A GENERATION Halogens CFLs LED One LED can last up to 15 times longer than a halogen bulb and up to 1.5 times longer than a CFL. 8

ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED LED LIGHT BULBS Use about 40 percent less energy than halogen bulbs Last 10 to 15 times longer and save $30 to $80 in electricity costs over their lifetimes Meet strict quality

10 ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED LED LIGHT BULBS Use about 40 percent less energy than halogen bulbs Last 10 to 15 times longer and save $30 to $80 in electricity costs over their lifetimes Meet strict quality and efficiency standards that are tested by accredited labs and certified by a third party Produce about 70 to 90 percent less heat, so they are safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling Source: energystar.gov

11 GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHT BULBS DO THE TWIST Screw in your LED bulb by holding the ballast (the white plastic part). CHOOSE THREE FOR THREE Only use bulbs labeled as three-way in three-way sockets. NOT ALL ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED BULBS ARE DIMMABLE If you need a dimmable bulb, please check the packaging before you make your purchase. 10

12 START SMALL By changing one bulb to an LED, you can save between $30 and $80 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb. For the best payback, use ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs in the fixtures that you leave on the longest. THINK BIG The average U.S. household has more than 50 light bulbs think of how much you could save in your home if you switched them all to ENERGY STAR certified models. GIVE THEM AIR LEDs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so place your LEDs in open fixtures when situated indoors. Using them in enclosed fixtures indoors can create a hot environment that reduces the lifetime of your bulbs. Note that floodlights are best used in recessed cans. PROTECT THEM OUTSIDE Protect bulbs from the elements by placing them inside covered fixtures when outdoors. For colder climates, look at the packaging for optimal operating temperatures. 11

13 SELECTING THE CORRECT BULB FOR YOUR FIXTURE TABLE OR FLOOR LAMPS SPIRAL A SHAPE BULB TYPES DIMMER Look for an ENERGY STAR certified bulb that is marked dimmable. PENDANT FIXTURES CEILING FIXTURES SPIRAL SPIRAL A SHAPE A SHAPE GLOBE CANDLE MR16 CANDLE THREE-WAY SOCKET Look for an ENERGY STAR certified bulb that is marked three-way. CEILING FANS WALL SCONCES SPIRAL SPIRAL A SHAPE A SHAPE CANDLE GLOBE CANDLE ELECTRONIC CONTROL Check with the manufacturer of your photocell, motion sensor or timer for compatibility with energy-efficient lighting. RECESSED CANS ACCENT LIGHTING MR16 MR16 SPOT SPOT FLOOD 12

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Correct cap type? e.g. Bayonet Edison Screw GU 10 MR 16. Suitable colour temperature? Warm (3000 K) Cool (4000 K) Bright White (5000+ K)

Correct cap type? e.g. Bayonet Edison Screw GU 10 MR 16. Suitable colour temperature? Warm (3000 K) Cool (4000 K) Bright White (5000+ K) LED BUYER S GUIDE Save energy, time and money with the right LED purchase LED technology has rapidly evolved in the past seven years and is now quickly gaining popularity in the household, representing