With the passing of the Energy Independence and Security Act in 2007, energy-efficient light bulbs are the lighting technology of the future. Green light bulbs represent a considerable reduction in electricity consumption as well as incredible savings for the consumer. And best of all, wherever you use eco-friendly light bulbs, you don't have to sacrifice light quality for all of the benefits.
"Energy efficiency isn't just low hanging fruit, it's fruit lying on the ground." – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, June 26, 2009
In December 2007, then-President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act into law. Among other things, this law opened the door for energy-efficient light bulbs to gain market share in the U.S. However, several commonly used lamp types were exempted under the Act. On June 26 of this year, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced a new set of efficiency standards for General Service Fluorescent Lamps (GSFLs) and Incandescent Reflector Lamps (IRLs). The rules will go into effect in the second half of 2012.
Since these two lamp categories represent 45% of total lighting electricity consumption in the U.S., new energy-efficient light bulb rules are significant. Vast amounts of electricity, and the harmful emissions attributable to its production, will be saved over the decades ahead. This represents good news for the American wallet and the environment we all share. Green light bulbs are here to stay.
Green Light Bulbs for Downlight Fixtures
The rest of this article will focus on the opportunities to save energy with state-of-the-art incandescent reflector bulbs, even before the new efficiency standards go into effect.
The current minimum efficacy (in lumens per watt) standard for PAR20 and PAR30, 120 volt, 75 watt IRLs (established in 1975) is 12.5. The new rules that take effect in 2012 are applicable to the same lamps and increase the minimum efficacy to 16.0 and 18.9 lumens per watt, respectively. This increase in the standard represents a 28% and 51% increase in efficiency, respectively.
Eco-friendly light bulbs, which meet the newly announced 2012 standards, are already on the market (though they're not easy to find). The savvy reader will suspect that a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) can easily surpass the new efficacy rules for IRLs. And they'd be correct...CFLs typically produce 40 or more lumens per watt, making them much more energy efficient than the more popular halogen variety. But there's a catch: the light cast by CFLs and some other green light bulbs, while satisfactory in the home or office, is inferior to halogen light in terms of its ability to crisply render colors and fine details.
A Small Business Case Study: The Merits of Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
A small, green, retail business owner wants to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions without sacrificing the light quality needed to properly showcase merchandise. In terms of switching to the right energy-efficient light bulbs, what can the owner do now?
Facts:
Recommendation: Replace 75 watt PAR30 long neck bulbs with 48 watt GE Long Life HIR(TM) PLUS PAR30 long neck lamps. These energy-efficient light bulbs yield output of 850 lumens, 90 lumens less than the existing lamp. The owner found this reduction to be acceptable after testing the new lamps for several days.
The new bulb produces 17.7 lumens per watt, making it 42% more energy-efficient than the old lamp. Furthermore, it is 5% more energy-efficient than Secretary Chu's just-announced standards for a 48 watt, 120 volt, PAR30 (16.8 lumens per watt).
Finally, these lamps have a 40% longer life expectancy than the old, a redeeming merit due to the typical higher price tags of energy-efficient light bulbs. This advantage will reduce replacement costs and boost overall savings.
Savings Forecast Using Green Light Bulbs
New Hampshire is a high cost electricity state with a commercial rate of 15.6 cents per kilowatt hour as of March 2009 (citation: US Energy Information Administration). The store owner estimates 2,000 hours of annual use for these new energy-efficient light bulbs. At a retail price of $15.38 per lamp, she expects to virtually break even after one year. And over two years, during which time she would have had to replace the original 75 watt bulbs, she expects to save $155, or 30%, using green light bulbs to light her alcove with the eight fixture track.
The newly announced efficiency standards for GSFLs and IRLs are welcome news for those concerned with reducing harmful gas emissions stemming from electricity generation. And according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these green light bulbs will save U.S. consumers $1 to $4 billion per year starting in 2012.
Manufacturers of energy-efficient light bulbs and their forward-looking distributors are ahead of the curve however. It is therefore possible for home and business owners with downlight fixtures to immediately start phasing in green light bulbs, without sacrificing the great light quality they enjoy from IRLs.
A Better Mousetrap: High-Efficiency Halogen Lamps Are a Superior Energy-Efficient Lighting Solution
For added ambient light, homeowners rely on recessed downlights or cans in their kitchens, offices, or other gathering places. With these lights in continuous use for four hours or more, opting to switch to a more energy-efficient lighting source presents ample opportunities to save money and reduce air pollution. Compared to downlights, high-efficiency halogen lamps, at less than 65 watts, not only beat CFLs, but offer superior lighting value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs
Buying eco-friendly light bulbs can be a challenge with so many choices now available. Many consumers are still unsure what casts the most flattering light and what equates to the most dollar savings. When it comes to deciding between CFL bulbs, LEDs, or halogen lamps, learn what to look for.
Defending the Underdog: The Bright Side of Energy-Saving CFL Bulbs
The switch to energy-saving light bulbs is still a gradual one, and even promotional incentives and giveaways can't ameliorate the situation. The problem with CFL bulbs in particular is that many consumers remember the old days (and much earlier technology) when these lighting alternatives cast an eerie, blue-hued glow. Light quality matters, which is why newer, more efficient light bulbs are making their way into the mainstream.
