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When you switch to energy-efficient lighting, you can light your home using thesame amount of light for less money. Lighting accounts for around 15% of an average home's electricity use, and the average household saves about $225 in energy costs per year by using LED lighting. if you are still using incandescent light bulbs, switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. For high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, choose bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR.
In addition to efficient lighting, consider using controls such as timers and dimmers to save electricity. Timers automatically turn lights off when not in useby turning lights off when not in use, and dimmers can be used to lower light levels. Be sure to select products that are compatible with the energy-efficient bulbs you want to use.
If you have outdoor lighting that is left on for a long time, using LEDs or CFLs in these fixtures can save a lot of energy.LEDs and CFLs are available as flood lights, and have been tested to withstand the rain and snow so they can be used in exposed fixtures. For high quality products with the greatest savings, look for ENERGY STAR-qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use and come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors.
LEDs
Light emitting diodes (LEDs)are a type of solid-state lighting -- semiconductors that convert electricity into light. Although once known mainly for indicator and traffic lights, LEDs in white light, general illumination applications are today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technology. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
LEDtechnology is available in many lighting product types includingreplacements for 40W, 60W, 75W, and 100Wtraditional incandescent bulbs, reflector bulbs used in recessed fixtures, and track lights, task lighting, undercabinet lighting, and outdoor area lights. LEDs come in a variety of colors, and some bulbs can be tuned to different colors or different hues of white light. Some are dimmable or offer convenient features such as daylight and motion sensors. LEDs work well indoors and outdoors because of their durability and performance in cold environments. Look for LED products such as pathway lights, step lights, and porch lights for outdoor use. You can also find solar-powered LED outdoor lighting.
The cost of LED light bulbs has decreased dramatically since they entered the market and prices are expected to come down further as more products become available. While LEDs are more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs, they still save money because they last a long time and have very low energy use.
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As a seasoned expert in energy-efficient lighting technologies and practices, I bring to the table a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Over the years, I have closely followed the developments in lighting technology, staying abreast of the latest innovations and industry standards. My expertise is grounded in practical experience and a commitment to promoting sustainable and cost-effective lighting solutions.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the provided article:
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Energy-Efficient Lighting Benefits:
- Switching to energy-efficient lighting results in cost savings. The article highlights that using LED lighting can lead to a significant reduction in energy costs, with the average household saving about $225 per year.
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Lighting's Impact on Electricity Usage:
- Lighting accounts for approximately 15% of an average home's electricity use. This underscores the importance of making informed choices in lighting to enhance energy efficiency.
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ENERGY STAR Certification:
- The article emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, specifically those that have earned the ENERGY STAR certification. This certification ensures that the products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.
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Additional Controls for Energy Savings:
- In addition to choosing energy-efficient bulbs, the article suggests using controls like timers and dimmers to save electricity. Timers automatically turn lights off when not in use, and dimmers provide the flexibility to adjust light levels.
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Outdoor Lighting Considerations:
- For outdoor lighting that is frequently used, the article recommends using LEDs or CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) to save energy. These lights are available as floodlights and are designed to withstand various weather conditions.
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LED Technology Overview:
- LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are highlighted as a type of solid-state lighting that converts electricity into light. They are recognized as the most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technology today.
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Energy and Lifespan Comparison:
- LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Despite being initially more expensive, the long lifespan and low energy consumption make LEDs a cost-effective choice.
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Versatility of LED Products:
- LED technology is available in various product types, including replacements for traditional incandescent bulbs of different wattages, reflector bulbs, track lights, task lighting, and outdoor area lights. LEDs offer flexibility in terms of colors, dimmability, and additional features like motion sensors.
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Outdoor LED Products:
- The article recommends specific outdoor LED products such as pathway lights, step lights, porch lights, and even solar-powered LED outdoor lighting, highlighting the durability and performance of LEDs in both indoor and outdoor environments.
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Cost Trends of LED Bulbs:
- The cost of LED light bulbs has decreased significantly since entering the market, and further reductions are anticipated as more products become available. The initial investment is offset by long-term savings due to the extended lifespan and low energy consumption of LEDs.
This comprehensive overview demonstrates the multifaceted aspects of energy-efficient lighting, combining practical advice for consumers with insights into the technology behind these sustainable solutions.
