An easy way to save energy and money
Did you know that energy-efficient lighting uses up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent lighting, yet provides the same amount of light? Switching to energy-saving ENERGY STAR-certified light bulbs and fixtures is a cost-effective way to save energy and reduce energy costs. You’ll enjoy the great light quality and the convenience of bulbs that last much longer than traditional bulbs.
Along with the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, Energize Connecticut works with retailers and manufacturers to promote and discount ENERGY STAR certified lighting products. These products are designed to save you energy and money without sacrificing comfort and quality. And they last 10-50 times longer than traditional bulbs, so you can spend more time enjoying life and less time on the ladder changing bulbs.
To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a product must meet strict energy efficiency standards. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, created to promote energy-efficient products and energy-saving practices.
Today most home improvement stores, major grocery stores, lighting stores, large discount department stores, and warehouse stores, throughout Connecticut, carry a range of ENERGY STAR-certified light bulbs and fixtures. So finding the right energy-efficient lighting product for your home is easy. Just look for a “marked” lighting product when you shop.
Light Fixtures
You’ll find ENERGY STAR-certified fixtures at local retailers in an array of styles to fit your decor.
Light Bulbs
Energy-efficient light bulbs have come a long way since the first “twisty” compact fluorescent bulbs. Today you’ll find an energy-saving bulb for nearly every application in your home. When you shop for bulbs, think about the fixture it will go in, the light output and color you need, and the mood you want to achieve.
Most people prefer soft, warm light in bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and rooms with warm paint tones. In workspaces, garages, rooms with cooler paint tones, and outdoors, you may prefer cooler white light. ENERGY STAR certified bulbs are available in a range of tones – warm to cool white – and brightness levels. See the product packaging and the Lighting Facts Label for details.
CFL and LED Bulbs
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting.
CFLs have been around for years and are smaller versions of full-sized fluorescents. They screw into standard lamp sockets and provide the light that looks similar to incandescent bulbs. Compared to incandescent bulbs, CFLs use about one-quarter of the energy to produce the same amount of light, last 10 times longer, and produce 75 percent less heat, reducing cooling costs.
LEDs are the latest in energy-efficient technology. Most of us are familiar with LEDs from our electronics. We see them everywhere, telling us the equipment is on. Recent advances have made LED bulbs available for our homes. The bulbs – made with many small LED lights grouped in clusters – look similar to traditional incandescent light bulbs. LED technology is advancing rapidly, and many new bulb styles are available. Initially more expensive than CFLs, LEDs bring more value since they last longer. They use up to 80 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 15 to 40 years. LEDs also provide excellent color quality, dimming capability, and turn on instantly. They are currently more expensive than other energy-efficient bulbs, but the cost is decreasing each year as the manufacturing technology continues to improve.
See more at: http://www.energizect.com/residents/programs/energy-star-lighting#sthash.zIa0CWkB.dpuf