Energy Efficient Lighting for Your Home

Energy Efficieny For Homes

Electric lighting accounts up to 25 percent of home energy budget. If you can choose to use the right bulbs for home lighting, you can significantly cut down on your lighting bill. Whether it is standard light fittings spotlight fittings or downlighters, you can always find energy efficient bulbs to use at home. Most local governments encourage homeowners to become more concious of their energy consumption, The Queensland Government’s department oh housing and public works provides resouces for households interested in energy efficiency.

What Is Energy-Efficient Lighting?

Energy efficient lighting entails making smarter lighting choices and/or switching to more efficient lighting technologies to reduce on energy consumption. Proper implementation of these strategies can reduce lighting energy consumption for up to 50 percent. That’s why majority of households in Australia are switching from using traditional inefficient incandescent bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).

How to Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

Based on Queensland Laws, residential and commercial lighting fixture installation must only be done by certified electricians. So if you want to hire an electrician to install or replace LED or CFL bulb in your home, it’s better to contact a electrical contractor like VIP Electrician Brisbane directly. Working with an experienced electrician will guarantee proper as well as efficient installation of your desired energy-efficient lighting bulbs.

Where to buy?

Energy-saving bulbs are available in online-based and local stores in Australia. You can always order for your desired model of LED or CFL bulb online and have it delivered to your doorstep. Different styles of energy saving bulbs are also available in local stores and you can shop for the most efficient that will give you greater value.

When shopping for CFL bulbs you need to consider choosing the perfect light quality, shape and amount of lumens. CFLs with K number ranging between 2700 and 3000 usually give soft bight light similar to incandescent while those with K value of between 3500-6000 emit bright light.

Also remember to match lumens with those of the incandescent bulb being replaced. Lumens are typically a measure of strength of light being generated, regardless of the amount of watts being used. So be sure of checking lumen output printed on the bulb package before purchasing a bulb online or locally.

Types of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

There are two major types of revolutionized energy-efficient light bulbs available in Australia: Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and Compact fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).

LED Lights

LEDs are small yet very efficient solid bulbs largely used in replacing dimmable lights and spotlights. They are more efficient than CFL bulbs and can help you save more money in the long run. While they were first developed for single-bulb applications like instrument panels, pen lights, strings of indoor and electronics, home LED applications have now been broadened. Replacing halogen downlighters with LED alternatives can save about 57 AUD annually on electric bills.

You can choose from different styles of LED bulbs including diffused bulbs, dimmable globe LED bulbs, flood reflector LEDs, flame tip candelabra based LEDs, track lighting pin base and LED tube lights.

LED Light Pros

Lasts up to 10 times longer than compact fluorescents
Are durable since they can hold up well to bumping and jarring
They are mercury-free
They are more energy-efficient
They do not cause heat build-up in a room
Saves more money in the long term

CFL Lights

A CFL bulb is simply a miniature version of a full-sized fluorescent that can be used for general lighting requirements. When screwed into standard lamp sockets, they can emit light similar to that of incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs come in a variety of styles and shapes. While some have two, four or six tubes, others are designed with separate tubes and ballasts. Some of the CFL bulb models available in the Australian market include spiral lamps, triple tube lamps, standard lamps, globe lamps, flood lamps and candelabra.

CFL lighting Pros

They are 4 times more efficient and can last longer than incandescent
Are less expensive because they only use 1/3 of the electricity used by incandescent
Reduces air pollution by reducing the amount of CO2 and sulfur oxide emissions
They emit high-quality warm and inviting light
Can be used in many applications including table lamps, recessed fixtures, porchlights and ceiling fixtures

Cons

They are sensitive to on and off cycling
Not all CFL bulbs can be used on dimmer switch applications
When used on the outdoors, FCLs need to be covered or shaded from harmful elements
CFLs contain small amounts of mercury (can be released when the bulb breaks or disposed) which is toxic

As you can see installing Energy Efficient Lighting for Your Home is a great way to save money and the environment.

If you have any questions or suggestions please let us know.

Learn more about becoming energy effecient from the Australian Government portal.