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Lighting
accounts for about 15% of a homes electric
use. New screw-in fluorescent bulbs can
replace the incandescent ones most of us
use. Fluorescent bulbs are more expensive,
but they last 10 times longer and use 75%
less electricity. |
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If
you prefer incandescent bulbs, try to use
energy saver bulbs. These bulbs use halogen
gases that allow the filament to burn brighter
while consuming less electricity. |
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A
lot of energy can be saved by matching as
closely as possible light bulb wattage to
lighting needs. For example, a high wattage
reading light in a hallway or alcove is
not energy efficient. Keep this practice
in mind for your outdoor fixtures too. Fixtures
that cast their light downward help to reduce
the effects of light pollution and provide
more light where you want it. Be mindful
of the impact outdoor lighting can have
on your neighbors and he environment.
NOTE: About two thirds of the population of the world
and 99% of people in the continental USA
and western Europe suffer some degree
of light pollution, and never see a truly
dark starry sky from where they live. |
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Inside
your home, lighting controls or "timers"
can help save energy dollars. Timers can
be set to turn lights on or off at predetermined
times while photocell controls are sensitive
to light and turn lamps on and off at sundown
and sunrise. Dimmers can vary the level
of illumination according to how much light
you may want in a given situation. Outdoors,
motion detectors can save both energy and
money while providing a high degree of security,
while timers will turn off your outdoor
fixtures automatically at predetermined
times. |
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Consider using task lighting
(lighting directed at a specific area) instead
of overhead or general lighting, which may
light unused areas of the room. Savings
in the cost of bulbs and energy can be made
with area or "task" lighting. |
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Keeping
lights and fixtures clean can improve efficiency
as much as 20%. Take advantage of reflected
light by keeping portable fixtures as close
as possible to light colored walls or other
surfaces. These easy steps may reduce the
number and wattage of bulbs you need and
help you save on your energy bills. |
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You
can increase your energy savings by installing
fluorescent bulbs in your outdoor fixtures
too. Just make sure your fluorescent light
fixture has electronic ballast and has been
approved for outdoor use by the Underwriters
Laboratory or similar organization. |
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