e, homeowners from condos to electricity-tool.com/doc/205327-Experts-Explain-How-Lighting-Control-Can-Complement-CFLs-For-Lifestyle-/' >mansions are
looking for affordable ways to save energy in and around the home. Yes, green is in and more and more
people want to cut their electric bills while also helping the environment. Since lighting can represent as
much as 20% of your electrical bill, and is an area you can easily control, its an excellent place to start.
Lightoliers Gary Meshberg, who also Chairs the electricity-tool.com/doc/205327-Experts-Explain-How-Lighting-Control-Can-Complement-CFLs-For-Lifestyle-/' target='blank' class='doin' >respected industry group, Home Lighting Control Alliance
(HLCA), stated, One of the most popular energy-savers today is the Compact Fluorescent Lamp, or CFL for
short. Though the cost of the bulb is higher than the popular incandescent, CFLs are more energy efficient
and last longer, saving money on both counts. The biggest savings will come from lights that are on several
hours a day so choose fixtures for CFLs that are simple on and off and geared more towards utility rather
than aesthetics.
Meshberg went on to add, Up until recently, commonly available CFLs were not dimmable, meaning they
had to either be full on or off. Dimmable versions of the CFL are just now starting to come onto the market
however they are considerably more expensive and frankly do not dim as well as the standard incandescent
bulb. For example, below a certain level, they start to flicker or give off a harsh light.
Other considerations for the CFL is that they are not suitable for instant on applications or for use in
three-position lamps, ceiling fans and many decorative fixtures. CFLs also cannot be used with vacancy
or occupancy sensors which are also growing in popularity for their energy saving benefit as well as
wonderful convenience.
Therefore, the best places around the home to use a CFL are where they will be controlled with a toggle
switch or in a system where they will be used on or off. Some ideal locations are utility closets, garages, flood
lights or external lighting. And as previously mentioned, general locations where lights will be on for several
hours a day.
Dan Fulmer, a Jacksonville, FL based integrator and nationally known authority on lighting control offered,
Among the most effective and enjoyable options to save energy is with a lighting control system. Todays
lighting control products can pay for themselves over the life of the system while providing additional benefits
of comfort, convenience and security. Lighting Control is now the fastest growing of all home technologies
and often the first that I recommend to my clients.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Peter Hoagland
(540)349-9648
peter@hoagland.us Square Ds David Bruce, also with the HLCA, Many people dont realize that among the simplest, most cost-
effective ways to trim your electric bill is with a dimmer. By allowing you to reduce lighting levels when you
simply dont need as much light, this really adds to your bottom line. How much? Simply dim your lights by
25% and you pocket 20% in electricity savings. Dim lights by half and you increase your savings by 40%.
Dimming with standard incandescent bulbs not only reduces energy consumption, but significantly
extends their life as well. Dimming lights by 50% not only saves nearly that much in energy but the bulb
life is extended twenty times. As an added convenience, this also decreases the amount of times you need
to change your bulbs. And because a dimmer can control the amount of light you want, it also eliminates
the need for costly three-way bulbs. Though dimmers cost more than a conventional toggle switch, the
installation costs are the same.
John Taylor of Wattstopper, a manufacturer that specializes in energy efficient products for lighting control,
explained, Another ingenious energy-saving device is the occupancy sensor which combines hands-free
switching with energy savings. Typically installed in areas such as a bathroom, walk-in closet, or garage,
occupancy sensors turn lights on when a person enters the room and off when they leave.
Taylor went on to add, Best of all, they do it automatically and even when people forget. Occupancy sensors
which are often called Vacancy Sensors, can be set to manually turn on and like dimmers, are relatively
inexpensive to install and come in a variety of colors.
Summing up the groups recommendations, Meshberg concluded, Homeowners should take a balanced
approach when choosing fixtures and bulbs for their home. Consider warmth and appearance and whether
you want to be able to control the amount of light. A blend of incandescent, halogen and fluorescent bulbs
will yield the best combination of energy savings, convenience and enjoyment.
Key Points about CFLs, Lighting Control systems and energy savings:
CFLs save energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs
Most CFLs are not dimmable or suitable for all applications
Dimmers can save significant amounts of energy while providing ambience
Dimmers can greatly extend bulb life. 50% power extends bulb life 20X
Systems that combine all available technologies will save energy while providing convenience and aesthetics
About the Home Lighting Control Alliance (HLCA)
The Home Lighting Control Alliance is a self-funded, member-driven consortium of leading lighting control
manufacturers, systems integrators and industry support organizations. Its sole purpose is to promote the
awareness, value and benefits of lighting control products for residential applications.
Current partners in the Home Lighting Control Alliance include: AHA Design, Automated Outlet, CEA,
CentraLite Systems, Control4, Crestron, Echelon, EH Publishing, ETC, Exceptional Innovation, FulTech Solutions,
Good News Electric, HAI, Home Logic, Leviton, Lightolier Controls, LiteTouch, Low Voltage Systems, Pass &
Seymour, RL Johnson Construction, S&S Electric, Somfy Systems, Square D, SST, Vantage Controls, WattStopper
and Worthington Distribution.