Lighting
STRATEGY: To save on lighting costs, first make use of natural light whenever possible, and make sure lights are turned off when not in use. Then lower lighting levels where they are higher than necessary by replacing some bulbs with lower wattage bulbs, or replacing some bulbs in multi-bulb fixtures with burned out bulbs. Bulbs and fixtures can also be replaced with higher efficiency ones.
MYTH ABOUT LIGHTING:
MYTH: You save the most energy by leaving fluorescent lights on.
FACT: Fluorescent lights use very little energy when turned on and the wear on the bulb is small. They should be shut off whenever they are not needed.
OPERATIONAL TIPS:
• Make use of natural light as much as possible.
• Turn off lights when not in use, even if you are out of the room for a few minutes.
• Use lower wattage bulbs in fixtures where you don't need much light, such as hallways and bedrooms.
• Where possible, use one higher wattage bulb instead of several lower watt bulbs. However, don't use a higher watt bulb than the fixture will allow. A 100 watt bulb gives off 20% more light than two 60 watt bulbs.
• Don't use "long-life" bulbs unless they are in a position that makes replacement very difficult. They are less efficient.
• Dust your light bulbs periodically. Dusty bulbs can emit 20% less light
• Install special high efficiency bulbs in lamps. They can be up to 3 times as efficient as ordinary incandescent bulbs.
• Use fluorescent fixtures and bulbs wherever possible. They use 1/4 the energy of an incandescent bulb for the same amount of light, and last 10 times as long.
• Install solid state dimmer switches on incandescent fixtures.
• Purchase lamps and fixtures so you can light the area you're working in without lighting the whole room.
• When redecorating use light colors to reflect more light.
*The items marked with an asterisk (*) are, for the most part, only marginally cost effective and may be done for reasons other than energy savings.
