Lower Energy Bills With Energy Saving Light Bulbs

When the electronics are all unplugged and you're left considering whether you can unplug the refrigerator without your spouse noticing-- it may be time to investigate another way to lower your electric bill. There's more you can do!

Besides potentially wreaking havoc on your family's refrigerated foods and feeling your spouse's swift slap on the back of the head-- there are plenty of ways to obtain energy savings in Connecticut. Let's start with the home energy audit. It's not the IRS and it's not scary. When an energy expert conducts a home energy audit they're actually performing tests to identify those areas in your home that are costing you the most money. Many times, this energy expert will recommend different light bulbs or light fixtures.

According to ENERGY STAR you can lower your annual energy bill by $70 if you replace the five most frequently used light fixtures in your home and use ENERGY STAR qualified products.

Energy Saving Qualified Fixtures

Although some light fixture manufacturers list their potential energy savings, it's up to you to compare products. Otherwise, you may accidentally mix-up the advantages that are guaranteed by one product with those advantages of another product. Simply put-- not every light fixture that says it saves energy will save as much as what you have in mind. Each product has a level of quality and that's something you may have to evaluate.

Worthwhile Energy Saving Light Features

It's time to evaluate the benefits of light fixtures. What are your priorities? Here's a list of suggestions worth considering when purchasing a new light fixture.

Uses about 25 percent less energy than others
Lasts at least 10,000 hours or seven years of regular uses
Distributes light efficiently and evenly
Offers dimming, automatic daylight shutoff, and motion sensors
Provides a warranty
Designs are readily available

Incandescent, CFL and LED Bulb Comparison

There are three common light bulbs you'll find in CT stores; incandescent, CFL and LED. It's better to understand these differences before standing in an aisle wondering if the claims are real and what really matters.

Incandescent bulbs are hot because they release 90 percent of their energy in the form of heat! That's why you feel as though you could get a burn while standing in a room beneath some light fixtures. This kind of bulb produces so much heat because its glow is a result of the heat produced by the electricity passing through a metal filament.

The CFL is slightly cooler because its energy is divided as 80 percent heat and 20 percent full energy.

The LED most efficiently produces energy and hardly produces any heat. It's actually cool to the touch because only a limited amount of heat is produced.

LED Lighting Benefits

Have you ever gotten frustrated by the insufficient performance of the supposed "energy efficient" product compared to the regular version? Unfortunately, that does happen, but it doesn't have to happen when you purchase LED lighting. Keep these traits in mind when you're buying your next LED light.

Brightness: Equal or better!
Light Output: Consistent color and brightness, no fading overtime.
Efficiency: No fluttering; turns on instantly, no energy wasted when turned off.

What the U.S. Dept. of Energy Says About LED

One way the U.S. can save gobs of money and electricity over the next 20 years is by utilizing LED lights instead of other lighting options. The U.S. Dept. of Energy claims a savings of $265 billion over the next 20 years and a reduction in lighting electricity by 33 percent by 2027. Also, the production of about 40 new power plants will be prevented!

If you'd like more information about LED lighting be sure to checkout the ENERGY STAR lighting products and contact Connecticut's Dr. Energy Saver. They provide your home energy checkup. Learn more about energy efficient lights in CT, insulation, water heaters, windows, and more.

Samantha Walton currently works as a web content writer for home improvement sites. She's a college graduate with a B.A. in communication and a concentration in public relations. She's aspiring to one day further her education with a seminary degree. Her experience ranges from internships in marketing and public relations, content writing for local television broadcasts, to writing and editing newsletters, fliers, and other content for her local church.