Lighting choices in Texas to save money
Bright lights don't have to be used only for football. The right lightbulbs are essential to illuminate your home's interior and exterior, and reduce your monthly energy costs.
No matter how many lights your home uses, you don’t have to pay more to your utility company. You'll save money on your electricity bill by choosing the right kind of lightbulbs. They will also last longer. What's the difference?
Check out the best Express Energy Reviews for choosing energy to save money.
Incandescent lightbulbs
These lightbulbs have an enclosed wire filament. These lightbulbs have been around for a long time, but they aren't efficient because of the energy required to produce light. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 90% of light's energy comes from heat. This is why they are considered inefficient.
Because of government regulations, halogen incandescents must now use less energy than ever before. Manufacturers have also ensured that they meet minimum energy-efficient standards. The DOE estimates that newer incandescents could help you save 25% on energy.
There are however two types of light bulbs which far surpass the minimum requirements. They will also work with existing light fixtures.
LED lights
According to Josh McCormick (VP of Operations at Mr. Electric), LED lights don't produce as much heat than traditional light bulbs. They also consume less energy and produce more heat. Mr. Electric has many locations throughout Texas. McCormick states that the difference in commercial buildings where lights can be on for up to 24 hours is dramatic. If you are looking for savings in the residential area, a lamp post, spotlight, or another type of lighting that has a long run time and high wattage, outdoor lighting is a good option.
EnergyStar LED lightbulbs last between 15 and 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, according to the DOE. It consumes 75 to 80 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Compact fluorescent lamps
CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) can last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent lights. They come in a tubular or spiral shape and can be used for up to 10 years. According to the DOE, CFLs use less than one quarter of the energy.
These energy-efficient lightbulbs have one drawback: they contain some mercury. This means that if a CFL is broken, the hazardous substance will be released into the atmosphere. The EPA recommends that you replace the CFL if it is damaged.
- Everyone get out of the room quickly
- To let the air in, open a window or an external door
- Turn off the HVAC
Use the vacuum to prevent mercury powder from spreading further.
You can use cardboard or stiff paper for the removal of the bulb broken and duct tape for any powder or fragments remaining.
All the items should be placed in a plastic bag.
Understanding the lumens
Light bulbs are often chosen based on the number of watts in them. Lumens are the new standard for determining how bright or dimmable a light bulb is.
This guide will help you convert watts into lumens.
- Consider 450 lumens for a 40W bulb
- 600 lumens for a 60W bulb
- 75W bulb: 1100 lumens recommended
- Consider 1600 lumens for a 100W bulb
The DOE claims that you can save $75 per year by switching out five of the most used light fixtures with the ENERGY STAR label.
Timers for smart lighting components
McCormick says that smart lighting with timers is not only about safety and energy efficiency, but also about convenience. Smart lighting has the ability to program time of day and connect to smart devices to check lights' status or turn them off and on.
This feature can be very helpful if you need to turn on the lights before you return home from vacation or when you arrive at home. This feature is especially useful during holidays. McCormick says that decorations often include lights and that the ability to turn them off using a timer or smart device will help reduce energy consumption and fire risk.