Energy Efficient Lighting

Energy efficient lighting using low-power light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to significantly reduce your power usage and lower your energy bills. These bulbs, such as CFL and LED light bulbs, use up to 90% less energy than some traditional bulbs, making them a great choice for your home or business and for the environment.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Energy efficient light bulbs use a lower wattage than traditional inefficient bulbs, but maintain the same level of light output. The most common of the different types of energy saving light bulbs are CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and LEDs (light emitting diodes). There are a number of significant differences between low energy lighting and traditional bulbs. First of all, a traditional bulb only lasts about a year, but CFLs last four to ten years. Furthermore, a CFL low energy light bulb uses only 20% of the energy that a traditional bulb uses. Although a CFL or LED bulb has a higher upfront purchase cost, its long life and low power usage makes it a higher value.

Low Energy Lighting

Adopting home energy efficient lighting is a great way to save on your lighting bills and to lessen your negative impact on the environment. When considering energy saving lighting, it is important to recognize that energy efficient light bulb hazards are no greater than those of incandescent light bulbs. Although low energy fluorescent lighting contains mercury, the amount is fewer than 5 mg, which is much less than the 100-600 mg contained in the average thermometer. It is also important to understand how to dispose of energy efficient light bulbs properly. Recycling the bulbs is the best option, and homeowners can take advantage of the free Chemical Cleanout Program sponsored by NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change. However, bulbs should not be placed in your kerbside recycling bin. As a last resort, wrap bulbs in newspaper, place in a plastic bag, and put in your household rubbish bin. If a bulb breaks, sweep up the glass while wearing rubber gloves. Do not vacuum. Open nearby windows and doors for ventilation.

Energy efficient lighting is a great way to start living green and saving money. By choosing a CFL or LED light bulb over and incandescent bulb, you can help your wallet and the environment by using about 80% less energy for lighting

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