With the steady rise in energy prices, many people are making a conscious effort to reduce their energy consumption. One of the easiest ways to lower energy consumption is to use energy efficient lighting. Energy efficient lamps and fixtures can be installed in all buildings including homes and businesses as well as outdoors. The initial cost of installing the energy efficient lighting may be a bit unsettling at first. But with some simple calculations, it's easy to see that switching to more efficient lighting will save money and you may be able to see your return much sooner than you think. Getting started Before changing lamps and fixtures to energy efficient ones, it is important to evaluate your current lighting system. Changing to the wrong type of fixture could give too much or too little light or give a room poor color rendition. These factors are especially important in retail stores and office buildings. Another important consideration is the type of lamp or light fixture for the application. Some lamps like fluorescent operate poorly in cold or moist areas. Before purchasing a fixture or lamp, read the installation instructions and make sure it suits your needs.make sure it suits your needs.

T-8 FLUORESCENT LIGHTING

T-8 fluorescent lighting is a relatively new technology. At first glace it looks like any standard fluorescent fixture. Closer inspection shows an electronic ballast powering smaller diameter lamps that makes the fixture up to 75% more efficient. Two options exist for those who want to switch to T-8 lighting. If a fluorescent fixture exists, it can be retrofitted inexpensively with a T-8 ballast and lamps. New T-8 fixtures are available and can be purchased in different styles to meet most lighting requirements.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS(CFL)

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are the easiest and, in many cases, the least expensive way to switch an existing lighting design to energy efficient lighting. CFLs combine a fluorescent lamp and ballast into a lamp roughly the same size as a standard incandescent lamp. Most of these lamps have bases that screw into a standard light socket and this eliminates the need to change wiring or to hire an electrician. These lamps are sold with an equivalent incandescent wattage. An example would be a 15-watt CFL that gives off an equivalent amount of light to a 75-watt incandescent lamp. Another advantage of the CFL is its longer lamp life. An incandescent lamp will last from 750 to 2,000 hours of operation while a CFL will last 10,000 to 20,000 hours.