Lighting is a necessity for any modern home, but the cost of providing lights, both indoors and out, can amount to a significant amount over the course of a year. By changing the type of bulbs you use for home lighting, energy dollars can be saved and significant energy efficiency can be achieved. Here are a few ways to help trim energy costs with home lighting.
New lighting standards that took effect in 2012 promote the use of energy-efficient light bulbs to save energy dollars. You can take advantage of these energy-saving standards and reduce your lighting bills by using newer types of light bulbs such as:
- Compact fluorescent lamps: CFL bulbs can slash the energy used for lighting by as much as 75 percent. They’re smaller versions of the large fluorescent tubes often seen in retail and commercial settings and often resemble coils of glass tubing piled on a standard light bulb base. CFLs are generally more expensive than other types of bulbs, but they can pay for themselves in energy savings in about nine months. Since these bulbs often last much longer than that, they’re economical choices that pay off in the long term.
- Energy-saving incandescent bulbs: Newer incandescent bulbs must provide at least a 25 percent reduction in energy use over older bulbs of the same style. They use a halogen capsule around the filament to increase the efficiency and longevity of the bulb. Typically, these types of incandescent bulbs can last up to three times longer than standard incandescent lights.
- Light-emitting diodes: LEDs can save up to 80 percent on energy usage. These bulbs turn electrical energy into light rather than using a filament to produce light. LED bulbs are among the more expensive lighting options, but they can last up to 25 times longer than comparable incandescent bulbs.
For more than 56 years, Cox Air Conditioning and Heating has served HVAC customers in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa and surrounding Florida communities. Contact us today for more information on home lighting and how to save energy dollars with better lighting options.
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