Energy Efficient Lighting for Your Home

Wilf Potter

November 15, 2022
3:09 pm

Save on Energy with Proper Lighting in Your Home

The electricity used over the lifetime of a standard incandescent light bulb costs about 5 to 10 times more than the actual price paid for the bulb. If you’re looking to save both energy and money than you should be using Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs. These bulbs are more cost-effective, efficient, and beneficial to our environment. While incandescent bulbs are being phased out, you should think about getting to the store and switching over to LED or CFL bulbs!

BENEFITS OF LED BULBS:

Efficient: LED bulbs use fewer watts than both incandescent bulbs and CFL bulbs which saves electricity and therefore saves money in the long run. These bulbs are also safer due to the fact they do not heat up like incandescent bulbs do. By keeping the heat in the room down with cooler bulbs, this will also help in reducing air conditioning costs.
Durable and long lasting: LED bulbs can better handle bumping and shaking and are less likely to break. These bulbs also last about 10 times longer than CFL bulbs and about 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs requiring less purchasing of the bulbs.
Don’t contain mercury: When LED bulbs are manufactured, there is no use of mercury which is safer and extremely beneficial to our environment and your home.
Cost effective: Although LED bulbs are more expensive than other kinds of bulbs, over time they will save you money on electricity bills. Often times, the cost is no issue when people see the benefits LED bulbs can provide.

BENEFITS OF CFL BULBS:

Efficient: While CFL bulbs are not as efficient as LED bulbs, they are still about 4 times more efficient than the standard incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Less expensive: CFL bulbs save you money when it comes to electricity. They use about ⅓ of the electricity an incandescent bulb uses and last longer ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Reduces pollution: Using energy efficient bulbs such as CFLs reduces the amount of CO2 emissions as well as levels of sulfur oxide and other environmentally harmful wastes.
Less harsh lighting: Unlike older fluorescent lights, CFLs give off a light that is less harsh and more appealing. They are no longer like the lights we picture in a warehouse or an unattractive office space.

You may be thinking that these bulbs sound exactly the same but there are some limitations to using CFL bulbs. These bulbs are more sensitive than LEDs when it comes to the frequency of use and dimming options. If a CFL bulb is turned on and off too frequently, the lifetime of the bulb will be shortened. Also, not all CFL bulbs have the ability to be dimmed and if used on a dimmer it can also shorten the lifespan of the bulb. The most important limitation to consider when using CFL bulbs is the fact that they contain a small amount of mercury. This can be very dangerous if the bulb is broken or disposed of improperly. Often times stores like Home Depot and Lowes will help with proper disposal of unbroken bulbs.

While both options of energy efficient light bulbs will save you money and help your home become more energy efficient, these benefits and limitations should all be considered before purchasing your new bulbs.

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Since 1967, Popkin Electric has been servicing Nassau homeowners. We address every job, no matter the size, with integrity, professionalism and the understanding that your home is your castle.