A “Mythbusters” episode on the Discovery
Channel dispelled the myth that it is more energy efficient to leave lights on
when a person is away from an area, even if only briefly.
Just how brief is brief in terms of making savings sense? One
of the tests calculated the start-up energy that is used to activate a bulb; when
compared to the energy used in leaving a bulb on, it was determined
that a person would have to be out of a room less than
.01 seconds for a CFL bulb, .36 seconds for an incandescent bulb, and 23
seconds for a fluorescent bulb to make turning off the lights the more cost
efficient choice. So when you leave a room it just about always
makes sense to turn off those lights!
2. Replace Incandescent Bulbs with CFLs
Compact Fluorescent Lamps can both save
energy and reduce a property's maintenance burden. They
are designed to screw into existing sockets to replace incandescent bulbs.
Their higher cost is offset by the fact that they use up to 75%
less electricity for the same lighting output, and last 6 to 15 times
as long, which saves money on both replacement bulbs and labor. Outdoor
fixtures may require special bulbs.
Payback fastest in areas with high electricity costs. Payback:
As little as 3 months.
3.
Replace Incandescent
Exit Signs with LEDs
Because exit signs are always on, they
represent an opportunity for saving much energy. New exit signs
with Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination use a fraction of the energy, and
last many times longer than incandescent signs.
Payback fastest in areas with
high electricity costs. Payback: Less than 1 year to 4 years.
4.
Replace T12 Bulbs With
T8s
Older fluorescent fixtures still have
larger, 40-watt "T12" lamps, which can be replaced by thinner, 32-watt
"T8" bulbs for energy savings. The existing fixture will require some
rewiring and upgraded parts to accept a T8 lamp. In areas with high
electricity costs, savings will equal about $4-5 per year per lamp. Newer
"Super T8" bulbs, T5 bulbs, and LED-strip lights are yet more
efficient options.
Payback: fastest in areas with high electricity costs.
5. Use Low-Mercury Lamps
All fluorescent lamps contain a small amount of mercury. Some manufacturers,
however, offer products with significantly lower
amounts. This information is not always disclosed by vendors so you may have
to go to the source to get the information. When disposing
of old lamps, take them to a hazardous household waste disposal center and
avoid breaking them. If they are temporarily stored, make sure that they are stored
in a contained area so that if they
break, the mercury will not be washed
away with rainwater.
6.
Equip Lights with
Sensors
Occupancy sensors can generate savings of
20-60% where installed? Ideal for building common areas, the sensors
will switch lights on only when the space is being used. Outdoor lights
can be connected to daylight sensors, rather than timers,
ensuring that they remain extinguished while the sun shines.
Make sure the lenses of outdoor sensors are cleaned according to
manufacturer's recommendations.
Payback fastest in
areas with high electricity costs.
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