Cooperative Living January 2015 - 14

ENERGY BANG FOR YOUR BUCK by Tom Tate, Contributing Writer
Can't I Just Get
a Light Bulb?
The last bit of information to consider
is that most CFLs and LEDs do
come in a dimmable version. You just
need to check the packaging ― those
that are dimmable say so in bold print
on the package.
The beauty of the new lighting
B
een out to buy a light bulb lately?
If you have, you know the range of
choices is mind boggling. Gone are
the days of simply grabbing the wattage
you needed. Now you have lumens, equivalence
ratings and a range of technology;
compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), halogen,
light emitting diode bulbs (LED) and of
course, incandescent. And don't forget the
size of the base/lamp type: A, C, G, PAR,
R, just to name a few. Interested in the color
of the lamp? Add at least three more
choices to the mix: cool, warm and daylight.
Who knew we would eventually need
a personal shopper just to get a light bulb?
Let's start from the beginning to understand
why it has become so complicated.
The U.S. Energy Information Agency estimates
that between residential and commercial
applications, 17 percent of all
electricity used in the U.S. is for lighting.
Back during the early days of the CFL, that
figure was closer to 20 percent. Right
away you can see the reason for focusing
on more efficient light sources.
The CFL, or " pigtail " as I like to call it,
led the way and made a dent in overall
consumption. However, it has some drawbacks:
namely, it loses a lot of its output in
cold temperatures, it should not be used in
closed fixtures, frequent on/off operation reduces
its life span and, because it contains
mercury, it needs to be disposed of properly.
In other words, don't toss it in the trash.
12
The LED was the next entrant of significance
for homeowners. This option
thrives in the cold (but is less effective in
higher heat), has a significantly longer
life span than the CFL, doesn't mind
being turned on and off frequently and
does not have a special disposal
requirement - at least not as of this
writing. And, it is more efficient than the
CFL. Seems like a perfect lamp aside
from price.
So what do you use for a particular
application? While the lighting aisle has
become rather mind boggling, a few
tips can help. Most LEDs will offer a
lumen rating. Higher is brighter. Most
will also offer a wattage equivalence
rating. For your reference, the following
table is offered.
For your everyday light fixture, a CFL
in your preferred color spectrum (I go
with daylight) is perfectly fine. That said,
when I can buy an LED for a reasonable
sum, I am going that direction these
days. For anything that requires a ladder
to replace, go with the appropriate LED
alternative as these should last several
years. You know the locations, your outdoor
spots (PAR), that chandelier in the
two-story entry (A-base). For recessed
can lights, a CFL is okay as these lights
do not constitute a closed fixture. Even
so, it may be worth investing in LEDs to
really reduce energy consumption.
Cooperative Living/January 2015
options is that they really do save you
money if you use them the same way
you did their incandescent predecessors.
Just be sure not to leave them on
longer because they use less, which
defeats the whole purpose of the energy-efficiency
approach. Conserve,
reduce and reap the savings!
COURTESY OF TOM TATE
Cooperative Living January 2015

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