Going GREEN

Picture from Desire to Inspire

Thomas Edison

Many are familiar with florescent lighting, or compact florescent lights. The compact florescent, CFL, lights have become more and more of a standard issue in homes around the country. They can replace all standard light bulbs and many of the bulbs you use in recessed cans. The CFL bulb that replaces the 60 watt incandescent bulb only uses 13 watts of energy while giving a light output that is equivalent to 60 watts. CFL bulbs can last up to 10,000 hours a whole ten times longer than the standard incandescent bulb. Keep in mind the incandescent bulb has not changed much since Thomas Edison invented it in 1879.

WAC Lighting

LED Lights illuminating a bridge at night

LED Bulbs

Light-emitting diode, or LED, is energy efficient lighting, and in my experience is one of the most requested types of lighting currently available.

Incandescent lighting which is the most common type of lighting in residential homes is the cheapest to buy and the most expensive to operate. LED which is one of the more expensive types of lighting on the market is much cheaper to operate. The average life span of an incandescent light bulb averages around 1,500 hours, where as the LED can last up to 50,000 hours. Though the initial cost of the bulb is higher it is likely you will not need to replace the bulb for at least 8 years, and the energy used is significantly lower, keeping you home energy cost way down. Over the long run a LED is much cheaper than an incandescent bulb!

By merely changing a light bulb in an existing fixture we can really cut down on our energy usage and make a big difference in the environment. While CFL replacements are a good option they have their flaws. Many do not like the color that a CFL puts out. Many of us are so accustomed to the soft yellow glow from Edison’s bulb, a CFL, which comes in 3 different color renditions, can look so much different; and the majority of the CFL bulbs are non-dimmable. That is why LED can be so appealing. The color of the LED has improved dramatically in the last year. When they first hit the market they gave off a blue color. Now LED is made in all colors and really looks good, and the majority of them are dimmable!