About Energy Efficient Lighting Options For Calgary

There have never been so many changes in today’s world and so much focus on energy efficiency, which is a wonderful thing. With consumer demand for better products that are more friendly to our environment, the waste of energy has been a top concern for many homeowners and business owners alike.

Energy efficiency in homes and commercial and industrial settings has drawn attention in the lighting industry, and manufacturers have responded to the new government regulations by giving us better, more energy-efficient lighting options, including light bulbs and new fixtures.

If you've seen new lighting options but haven't looked into information about them, keep reading to learn about a few of the most common questions and answers being discussed today.

Q: What Are The Differences Between Traditional Lights And Today's Options?

A: The traditional light bulb was an incandescent bulb that used a lot of energy in order to produce the level of light we needed because over 90% of the energy they produced was given off as heat instead of light. The process was very inefficient with that much energy lost. Today's energy efficient bulbs are Halogen Incandescents, Compact Fluorescent Lamps, and Light Emitting Diodes. At the top of the list, LED's that are Energy Star qualified use only 20-25% of the energy and last up to 25 times longer.* At Total Electrical Solutions, we offer energy saving packages so that your home can contribute to the eco-friendly movement!

Q: Why Are The Lighting Options Different Now?

A: Research has been going on for some time to invent a lighting products that use less energy to produce the same amount of light. With the invention of the LED bulb, over time we've been able to improve on the design to where today we have what we need to save significant amounts of energy while producing the same amount of light that we normally have available with a traditional bulb. These changes were fueled by demand to produce more energy efficient products, which Congress answered by passing the bi-partisan Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007.

Q: What is the bi-partisan Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007?

A: This act raises the standards required for the basic light sources. In January of 2012, the standards required the light bulbs produced to be around 25 percent more efficient. They are required to consume less electricity for the normal amount of light produced. 22 types of light bulbs are exempt including 3 way bulbs, appliance lamps, heavy duty bulbs, and colored lights. In 2015, consumers could save almost $6 billion by switching to these lights.

Q: About how much could I save By Replacing My Lights?

A: According to the EISA findings, you could save about $75 per year by replacing just 5 of your most frequently used light fixtures with models that meet the Energy Star requirements. The amount is figured after the slightly higher initial cost of the bulb.

Q: Do my current light fixtures fit the newer energy efficient light bulbs?

A: Not always. Most of the older fixtures will accept the newer bulb types because manufacturers have tried to make it easier on the consumer. The best bet is to take the bulb you need to replace to the store and compare the socket sizes, bulb shape or diameter, and bulb height. You can also ask for assistance if in doubt.

Q: How can I tell what Lumens I need to replace my 60 or 100 watt bulbs?

A: For a 100W bulb, find the energy saving bulb that puts out 1600 lumens or so. For the 60W, look for a bulb with 800 lumens. Watts are the amount the bulbs use in terms of energy measurements. Lumens are the measurement of light produced.

*Sources: http://energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money