Usually, when we think "energy efficient lighting", we immediately think, "compact fluorescent bulbs!" However, this is not the entire story.
In fact, there are a number of different options for increasing the energy efficiency of your lighting, even if you are not using CFLs.
In this article, I will discuss the various options and how you can use them to lower your energy bill and protect the environment.
Fluorescent Tubes: CFL's are now the most common type of fluorescent tube in homes.
These tubes are about four times more efficient than traditional, incandescent light bulbs.
However, they are not the only type of fluorescent tube available.
Traditionally, fluorescent tubes are longer than incandescent lights (which is why they are called "tubes").
A number of different fluorescent tubes are available, and make for excellent under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen or vanity lighting in the bathroom.
LED Bulbs: In the last five years, LED bulbs have increasingly become an important part of home lighting.
This is basically because they finally made a white LED bulb that works.
LED bulbs are just as energy efficient as fluorescent tubes and are much less toxic.
However, they are more expensive.
Reflector bulbs: If you do wish to use incandescent lights, reflector bulbs are actually surprisingly efficient.
A reflector bulb has a reflective surface on the back of the bulb, meaning that you get double the efficiency when you add together for the original and the reflected light.
Note, however, that these bulbs can only shine in one direction, so they work best in recessed lighting or in accent lighting (lighting that highlights features in your room).
Solar Lights: Solar lighting is perfectly efficient because it literally costs you zero power to operate.
For obvious reasons, most solar lights only operate outside.
However, indoor solar lamps are available and can be placed by south-facing windows.
Note, however, that solar lights don't work very well below freezing temperatures and don't work at all below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
With a mixture of different approaches, you will find that you can cut down on your electricity bill and help the environment as well.
In fact, there are a number of different options for increasing the energy efficiency of your lighting, even if you are not using CFLs.
In this article, I will discuss the various options and how you can use them to lower your energy bill and protect the environment.
Fluorescent Tubes: CFL's are now the most common type of fluorescent tube in homes.
These tubes are about four times more efficient than traditional, incandescent light bulbs.
However, they are not the only type of fluorescent tube available.
Traditionally, fluorescent tubes are longer than incandescent lights (which is why they are called "tubes").
A number of different fluorescent tubes are available, and make for excellent under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen or vanity lighting in the bathroom.
LED Bulbs: In the last five years, LED bulbs have increasingly become an important part of home lighting.
This is basically because they finally made a white LED bulb that works.
LED bulbs are just as energy efficient as fluorescent tubes and are much less toxic.
However, they are more expensive.
Reflector bulbs: If you do wish to use incandescent lights, reflector bulbs are actually surprisingly efficient.
A reflector bulb has a reflective surface on the back of the bulb, meaning that you get double the efficiency when you add together for the original and the reflected light.
Note, however, that these bulbs can only shine in one direction, so they work best in recessed lighting or in accent lighting (lighting that highlights features in your room).
Solar Lights: Solar lighting is perfectly efficient because it literally costs you zero power to operate.
For obvious reasons, most solar lights only operate outside.
However, indoor solar lamps are available and can be placed by south-facing windows.
Note, however, that solar lights don't work very well below freezing temperatures and don't work at all below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
With a mixture of different approaches, you will find that you can cut down on your electricity bill and help the environment as well.