Energy Efficient Lighting: What Are The Different Types Of Lamps?
What Are The Different Types of Lamps When Considering Energy Efficiency?
The wheels of change are already spinning. The government has already mandated that Incandescent lamps and older fluorescent lamps are "inefficient". Lets take a look at some common lighting and also what our options for replacement lamps are.
CFL's Are Energy Efficient...But I don't Like The Color...
We hear this statement all the time, "I have tried them, but I don't like them". CFL technology has come a long way and there are many new options out there.
Most have stated that they have tried CFL's years ago and could not stand the "color" of the light. Those days are long gone. CFL's are now available in a variety of different colors, otherwise known as their "temperature" or "kelvin" for those looking for a light color similar to incandescent I recommend 2700K.
For those who like a whiter, cleaner, more daylight color look for somethimg in the 4100-5000k rating. The higher the Kelvin rating, the whiter the light.
CFL's are available in many different shapes and sizes. No longer are you forced to use the "curly" lamps, manufacturers now produce CFL's that look like incandescent bulbs and even flood lamps for can lights.
You can even get CFL's that are dimmable for a host of residential and commercial applications.
Halogen Filled Incandescent Are More Energy Efficient
Another energy efficient option is halogen filled incandescent lamps. Typically they consume 25% less light than there standard counterparts, last three times longer, and deliver crisp lighting just like standard incandescent.
The biggest benefit is they turn on and dim just as a standard light bulb would.
LED Lighting Technology Are The Most Energy Efficient, AND The Most Expensive
LED lighting has really come into it's own in the last year. The technology has gotten better and more dependable. Replacement screw in style lamps for incandescent light bulbs are now available in a multitude of styles and bases.
The benefits for LED are amazing. Energy savings of 75-80% less than standard incandescent, and a lamp life thats 25 times longer. They also follw the dimming characteristics of incandescents perfectly, unlike CFL which cannot be dimmed passed 50% output.
The downside? Replacement lamps for a 60 watt light bulb are anywhere from $30 to $60 dollars.
While the price point may seem hard to justify, keep in mind that the life span and energy savings that are acheived with this style of lamp more than pay for itself over the life of the LED replacement. I foresee the technology getting better and cheaper as time progresses.....just like CFL did years ago. The only way to know is to analyze your existing systems versus the new systems.
Want to Learn More About Energy Efficient Lighting?
We have put together a special guide for you to download for FREE. This guide will help you determine which technology is right for you and teach you how to do the calculations. Just click the button below to download your FREE copy.