Energy Efficient Lighting

When choosing lighting for your home, you can rely on your own personal taste when deciding between a paisley lamp shade or a polka dotted one, but what about the hardware? Incandescents, efficacy, halogen, ballasts, CFL's, dimmers and timers are only a portion of the vocabulary used to explain how to light your home. We'd like to shed some light on this subject.

Choosing a Lightbulb

Incandescents

The majority of the lightbulbs in your home are probably incandescent. These pear-shaped bulbs immediately come to mind as "typical" lightbulbs. However, despite a low purchase price, this kind of bulb ends up costing more in the long run. Incandescent bulbs must be frequently replaced and give off nine times more heat than light. These lightbulbs should only be used in lamps and light fixtures which operate for two hours or less at a time per day.

Fluorescents

In place of traditional incandescent lighting, test run a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). These bulbs may cost more initially, but last 10 to 15 times longer and give off five times as much light for the same energy as incandescents.

The word "fluorescent" may bring to mind visions of cold white lights, giving off a constant hum and occasional flicker. Today, fluorescents have been upgraded to include warmer tones, minus the flickering and humming action of the past. For maximum energy efficiency, these bulbs should be used to provide light that is constant for more than three hours per day.

Various types of fluorescent lighting are available in different shapes and colors. Other parts may be required in addition to the lightbulb itself, depending on its shape and the size of your lamp's socket.

When purchasing light bulbs, you must also consider the light distribution and the color the bulb gives off.

The pear shape of an incandescent light bulb causes it to shed light downwards. This might be a good alternative for a reading lamp. A compact fluorescent bulb tends to send light up and outwards. Bulbs with reflective coatings will reflect more light.

To determine the color, look at the bulb's CCT (correlated color temperature) on its packaging. Lights with a CCT higher than 2,800K are more white than incandescents.

Control Your Lighting

Aside from saving money by using bulbs which do not require large amounts of energy, it is also possible to save by reducing the number of hours your lights shine. Here are some ways to gain control of your lighting:

• Use a Timer: Timers can be used both inside and out to turn lights on and off at certain times of the day or night.
• Use a Motion Detector: Although more costly than timers, motion detectors turn on when movement is sensed and then off after a specified period of time.
• Use a Photosensor: This control activates the light when the surrounding light level drops below a specified minimum.
• Use a Dimmer: By lowering the light output of your lamps, you decrease the amount of energy required to fuel the lamp.

The Light Saver Top Ten List
Light up Your Life with these Energy (and Money!) Saving Tips!

1. TURN OFF all lights when they are not in use.
2. Use daylight to your advantage. Install additional windows, do tasks requiring light near a window, and adjust blinds to direct sunlight to the ceiling.
3. When decorating, use light colors to reflect light, locate lamps in corners where they will reflect off of two walls and use lamp shades with white liners.
4. Clean your lightbulbs and they will give off up to 50% more light.
5. Identify lamps used more often than three hours a day at one time and replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
6. Install dimmer switches in single fixtures with many incandescent lights. Lights can then be used at lower levels.
7. Be aware that fluorescent, metal halide and genura (e-lamps) require electronic devices called ballasts to operate. It is possible to purchase the bulb and ballast as one unit or separately. The ballast lasts two to three times longer than the bulb, so you may save money by purchasing each one separately.
8. Do not overlight. Use a lower wattage incandescent bulb where less light is needed.
9. Replace outdoor flood lights with either photoelectric lights or lights triggered by motion detectors.
10. Call the Ohio Consumers' Counsel at 1-877-742-5622 to request more detailed information on how you can become energy enlightened.

Spotlight On Vocabulary

Look for and compare the wattage, lumens and efficacy of various bulbs. A high efficacy is desirable as this means the bulb consumes less energy to give off light.

Watt: amount of electricity required to power the light.

Lumen: measurement of visible light produced by the bulb.

Efficacy: the number of lumens produced for each watt of energy consumed.

Heating Home Efficiently

Americans invest nearly two-thirds of every dollar spent on home energy to heat and cool their homes. Such a significant investment requires consumers to choose and maintain their heating systems wisely in order to get the most for the money. By buying an energy-efficient heating system or upgrading an existing one, you can reduce your utility costs by 50% because efficient products cost less to operate.

Heating Systems

Heating systems are composed of a boiler, furnace or heat pump fueled by an energy source such as natural gas, electricity, oil, propane or wood. The energy source uses either air (furnace, heat pump) or water (boiler) to create heat for your home. Various control devices, such as thermostats, allow consumers to regulate a home's temperature.

Most heating systems last approximately 25 years. Deciding whether to purchase a new system or upgrade an existing system is a decision which could require the aid of an energy auditor. Contact your gas or electric utility (whichever one supplies fuel for your heating system) and ask about an energy audit.

Purchasing a New System

If you purchase a home heating system, start by asking around to find a company with a solid reputation. Get at least three bids and be certain to ask for references. Remember to inquire about the heating system's warranty.

Because the choice of a heating system depends upon many factors, it is not possible to point to any one system as being the best for you. But there are several factors to help you choose. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) provides information about a system's efficiency. The AFUE rating determines the amount of heat used to heat the house and the amount of heat lost in the process. For example, a furnace with an AFUE of 80% uses 80% of its heat output to warm the house, but loses 20% along the way.

Cost is a definite factor. In general, electricity tends to be a more expensive option than other heating system fuels. Central electric furnaces are typically the most expensive. Heat pumps are more cost effective. Ground source heat pumps are the most cost effective, saving customers who switch from central furnaces a potential 50% to 65% off of a typical bill.

Those who live in a warmer climate might benefit by purchasing an electric heat pump or furnace which can double as an air conditioner. Homes located in cooler climates require a high efficiency heating system (84% to 95% efficient).

The size of your home indicates what size of heating system to purchase. If a furnace is too large for your home, it will run inefficiently. The same runs true for a small furnace in a large home. An energy auditor can perform a heat loss analysis which will indicate the appropriate size for your next system.

Choose a system which uses the same fuel as your previous system, unless it makes more economic sense not to. For example, a furnace or boiler run by electricity is usually more expensive than one fueled by gas or oil. In this case it may make sense to replace the electric with another available fuel source.

Aside from choosing a fuel source, you must also choose either a central forced air system (furnace) or hydronic (boiler) system. One uses warm air to heat while the other sends warm water through pipes to warm each room. Choosing a furnace allows you to use the same system to provide central air conditioning although leaky ducts can lower your efficiency level. Hydronic systems are more expensive to install and can be slow to warm up although the same boiler can also be used to provide hot water.

Upgrading a System

There are a number of inexpensive ways to upgrade your system and lower your heating bills as a result. The following weatherizing tips will prove useful not only if you are attempting to keep your existing system, but also if you are purchasing a new system. A well-weatherized home may require a less expensive system to maintain a comfortable level of heat.

• Clean out or replace your air filters. This gets rid of the dust which causes your blower to work harder. Pick these up for $1 at most hardware stores.
• Clean registers, baseboards and radiators and make sure they are free of obstructions.
• Insulate hot pipes with fiberglass pipe insulation.
• Seal joints and seams with duct tape or mastic (special paste) to alleviate leaks.
• Place a radiator reflector between the radiator and the wall. These are made of foil-covered cardboard and can be purchased from a building supply store.
• Schedule regular tune-ups to increase the life of your system and to cut pollutants. Schedule checks once a year for an oil-fueled system; every two years for gas systems; and every two to three years for heat pumps. System tune-ups can reduce your monthly bill by 3% to 10%.

Aside from weatherizing, keeping an eye on your system's controls is another way to cut costs and increase efficiency.

Thermostat

Turn down your thermostat 10 degrees for the eight hours that you sleep or work (if no one else is at home) and save seven percent off of your heating bill. A fool-proof way to adjust the temperature of your house is to purchase a thermostat controller. This device allows you to preset house temperatures at different times of the day. Your furnace can keep the temperature low during your work day and sleep hours, turning it back up 15 minutes before you arrive home or wake up.

Aquastat

This thermostat for hot water boilers is normally set between 160°-180° F but can be adjusted to 120°-140° F during mild weather. The aquastat is located within a metal box on the side of the boiler.

Fan Thermostat

This thermostat controls the fan which blows warm air through the ducts. Make sure it is set to come on at 100°-110° F and to shut off at 80°-90° F (if it has only one setting, set to 100°-110° F). If cold air blows out of the ducts, raise the temperature.

Dampers

Ducts are usually covered by dampers which control the air flow to various rooms. Close the dampers on ducts which lead into unoccupied rooms to save heat.

Energy Efficient Appliances

It is possible to save energy to benefit the environment while saving money on your utility bill. Purchasing energy-efficient appliances and operating them at their maximum energy savings potential is one way to do this. Check out the following tips and suggestions and start shaving dozens of dollars off of your gas, electric and water bills.

Refrigerators are one of the biggest energy guzzling appliances in your home, consuming 27% of the total electricity used. Cut down on that percentage by:

• Getting rid of a second refrigerator. Older models require more electricity to run than new ones.
• Limiting the number of times you open the door.
• Checking your door sealing. Get a 150-watt flood lamp, put it in the refrigerator and shut the door. Then, turn off the room light and try to see light through the door seal. Move the light around within the refrigerator to view all sides of the seal and use a mirror to check the bottom seal. If you can see light, think about replacing the seal (which can be expensive) or possibly replacing the entire refrigerator.
• Cover all foods and drinks placed in the refrigerator.
• Make sure that the refrigerator is kept at least partially full.
• Locate the refrigerator away from sources of heat such as sunlight, ovens and dishwashers.

Ovens are powered by either gas or electricity. Cut costs by:

• Keeping burner pans clean to help reflect heat.
• Using a pressure-cooker instead of stove-top cooking, or a crockpot for dishes requiring long cooking periods.
• Matching the pan size to the size of the coils on an electric range surface.
• Making certain that pans rest evenly on the surface of the heat source.
• Cooking with tight-fitting lids.
• Using very little water to cook foods. Start with the dial on high and turn down to simmer.
• Cook several dishes at once and freeze excess portions to be reheated later.
• Using the preheat dial sparingly or not at all.
• Avoiding opening the oven door.

Washing machines and dryers expend lots of energy to clean and dry clothes. 90% of a washer's energy goes toward heating the water. Here are a few ways to reduce the temperature and length of time these appliances are in use in order to save energy:

• Select lower water levels for smaller loads.
• Wash one big load rather than two small ones.
• Front-loading washing machines can save you one-third more energy and water than top-loading machines.
• Use lower temperature settings and "pre-soak" for soiled clothing.
• Always use a cold water rinse.
• Turn down the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Load the washer to capacity.
• Use the right amount of detergent.
• Install the washing machine close to the water heater and insulate the hot pipes leading to it.
• Gas dryers save more energy than electric dryers.
• Purchase a dryer with automatic shut-off.
• Remove clothes from the dryer while still damp and hang up to avoid ironing.
• Buy a dryer vent hood from your appliance salesperson to block air infiltration.
• Separate and dry similar materials together.
• Dry two or more loads in a row.
• Clean the dryer (lint) filter after each use.
• Check the outside dryer exhaust vent. Make certain that it is clean and that the flap opens and closes freely.

Dishwashers can be expensive to run, and most of the energy they use goes toward heating the water (nearly 80%!). Apply some of these tips to keep your energy usage at a minimum:

• Contrary to some beliefs, when used efficiently, a dishwasher saves more water than washing by hand.
• Use an "energy saver" wash cycle for light loads.
• Select a "no heat" dry. If you do not have this option, at the end of the cycle, open the dishwasher's door to allow the dishes to air dry.
• Wash only full loads.
• Operate the dishwasher during the less expensive "non-peak" evening hours.

EnergyGuide Labels

EnergyGuide labels are placed on certain appliances to inform potential buyers of the yearly energy costs of the appliance. The labels are required to be placed on the following: refrigerators/freezers, freezers, water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers and room air conditioners. The energy costs of these seven appliances tend to vary greatly, which is the reason for the required label.

Labels contain the following types of information:

1. The top portion of the label contains the manufacturer name, model number, type of appliance and its capacity.
2. The largest number is a yearly energy cost estimate. This number can vary according to the area in which you live and the fluctuation of energy prices. It may be a good idea to rely on the yearly cost table (see #4) to find out the cost of running the appliance on a yearly basis. For air conditioners, the yearly energy cost estimate is actually an energy efficiency rating (EER). The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner.
3. A line scale reveals how the appliance's energy efficiency compares with similar models, from lowest to highest. Be aware that the labels are not updated regularly and may not be accurate.
4. In order to pinpoint your yearly energy cost more exactly, check out the yearly cost table. You must know the price you pay per kilowatt-hour of electricity or per therm of natural gas. Do this by dividing the total amount of your bill by the total amount of kilowatt-hours or therms used.