Weekly Financial Tips (2011- 40)

LIGHTING The quality and quantity of light around us impacts how well we see, work, and play. Improving your lighting can affect your health, safety, morale, comfort and even your productivity. Your lighting consists of 12% of your energy bill; here are some tips to save energy while enjoying good quality light.
1. Turn off lights when you leave a room. Standard incandescent lights should be turned off when they are not needed. Fluorescent lights should when youll be away for 15 minutes or more; this includes compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). 2. Use dimmers, motion sensors, or occupancy sensors to automatically turn off or on lighting as needed to prevent energy waste. Ensure you have the proper bulbs installed in these types of lighting. Do NOT use in dimmable light sockets unless you have a special dimmable CFL or Light Emitting Diodes (LED) bulb. 3. Use CFLs or LEDs when possible. Although CFLs need slightly more energy when they are first turned on, but once the electricity starts moving, they use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. 4. To get the most from CFLs following these standard rules: a. b. Screw in your CFL by holding the ballistic (the white plastic part), not the glass tubing. Know what color works best for your environment (whether it is the kitchen or a place you spend time reading). CFLs are measured on a temperature scale referred to as Kelvin. Most ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs are made to match the color of incandescent bulbs at 2700-3000k. If you want a whiter light, look for bulbs marked 3500-4100k or if you want a bluer light, look for bulbs marked 5000-6500k. Use only three-way bulbs in a three-way light socket.

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d. Check your controls for compatibility. Most photocells, motion sensors and electric timers are not designed to work with CFLs. Always check with the manufacturer of the control for compatibility. e. Ensure circulation around your CFL. CFLs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so place them in open fixtures indoors. Using them in enclosed fixtures indoors can create a hot environment that reduces the lifetime of your CFLs. Protect CFLs from the elements outside. Place them inside enclosed fixtures outdoors to protect them from the rain, sleet, or snow. For colder climates, look at the packaging for optimal operating temperatures.

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g. Remember that there are number of local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs. Check out www.epa.gov/bulbrecylcing or www.earth911.org for local recycling options. 5. LED lighting significantly lowers power consumptions, which can save you energy dollars. They are also much cooler than other light sources, which makes them safer around children. 6. For nightlights consider using LEDs. These are more efficient that than incandescent lights and are cool to the touch, which adds safety for children. 7. REMEMBER You have the opportunity to pick up FREE CFL bulbs at the Recycling Extravaganza on 11/3/11 at the JBLM-Lewis Main Exchange from 0900-1500.

Compiled by Ryki Carlson richarda.carlson@us.army.mil

References: www.energystar.gov and www.energy.gov