Lighting
- Is it a good idea to turn off lights when leaving a room? Don't they use more
energy when they are first turned back on?
- I've seen compact fluorescent bulbs in stores and they seem quite expensive - will
they really save me money?
- Will compact fluorescents provide the same amount and quality of light as regular
(incandescent) light bulbs?
- Can compact fluorescents be used in all types of fixtures?
- Do the "energy saver" or "energy miser" type of incandescent bulbs save as much
as compact fluorescents?
- Does outdoor lighting use a lot of electricity, and how can I save while
still protecting my home and property?
Q. Is it a good idea to turn off lights when leaving a room? Don't they use more energy when they are first turned back on?
A. You should turn them off. Incandescent or fluorescent lamps do not use any additional energy at start-up.
Q. I've seen compact fluorescent bulbs in stores and they seem quite expensive - will they really save me money?
A. Although the initial cost is quite a bit more than standard incandescent lamps, they last up to ten times as long and use only about one-quarter of the amount of electricity to provide the same amount of light. Over the life of the bulb, the reduced energy costs combined with reduced replacement costs make compact fluorescents an excellent investment.
Q. Will compact fluorescents provide the same amount and quality of light as regular (incandescent) light bulbs?
A. As long as you use the correct size or wattage, you will get the same amount of light, and today's compact fluorescents have a much better quality of light and color rendition than old fluorescents - you really should not notice a difference.
Q. Can compact fluorescents be used in all types of fixtures?
A. There are several different types and shapes of compact fluorescents available that should fit most fixtures. In some cases an adapter may be necessary.
Q. Do the "energy saver" or "energy miser" type of incandescent bulbs save as much as compact fluorescents?
A. No, but they do use less than standard incandescents, so they are a good option in fixtures that will not accept compact fluorescents. They also last longer than standard incandescents, but nowhere near as long as compact fluorescents.
Q. Does outdoor lighting use a lot of electricity, and how can I save while still protecting my home and property?
A. Electric use will depend on the wattage of the lights and hours of operation. Since outdoor lights are typically higher in wattage than indoor lights, the cost can be significant, particularly if a large number of high-wattage lights are used. You can save by limiting the hours of operation with timers, photocells or motion detectors.