If you want to go green, you need to set up an energy efficient lighting system at home. Standard incandescent light can convert only 10 percent of the electricity into light. The rest of the energy is dissipated as heat, and is of no use. They also have a shorter life, due to the fact that they have filaments and other parts. Thus, they are not energy efficient and don’t last too long either.

Overlooked Benefits of Energy Efficient Lighting

By installing energy efficient lights, you can do a lot of good for the environment and save money in the process. Some firms had started giving out ‘water and energy saver packs’, to try out at home. Since there are several energy efficient lighting options that you can choose from, you need to understand how they differ. Only then can you decide on the best lighting option for you.

1. Use of LEDs- Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are widely used in electronic devices like clocks, laptops, Stereo systems etc. LEDs generate a broad spectrum of bright colored light and so, they can find several other uses. They are a great choice to replace halogen globes, since they consume 70 percent less energy as compared to regular halogen globes. Small groups of LEDs can be placed at various locations in your home, to produce sufficient light. They can be arranged in various configurations, which is great. LEDs are mercury free and so, they are the perfect eco-friendly lighting solution.

2. Use CFLs with shade- According to a British study, CFLs produce small quantities of ultra-violet radiation, when they are unshaded. This can be harmful when they are close to us and so, it’s best to use ‘encapsuled’ CFL globes. You can also make use of shades while using a CFL. This will reduce the harmful effects of UV radiation.

3. Use of Compact Fluorescent Lights- Compact Fluorescent lights (CFLs) are highly energy efficient. They use about 20% of the energy required to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent lamp, and they last about 10 times longer. Thus, CFLs can reduce the cost of lighting your home drastically. Thanks to CFLs, your electricity bills will reduce for sure.

4. Recycling CFLs- Most CFLs contain about 4mg of mercury in them. Some CFL manufacturers have reduced the amount of mercury to about 1-2.5mg. Since CFLs contain mercury, they need to be handled with extreme care. Also, make use of CFL recycling programs, so that the mercury does not end up in landfills.

Lighting takes up about 20 percent of any home’s overall energy consumption. Choose to use greener lighting options and protect the environment.