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Home > Energy Efficiency Tips & Tools > Lighting > Replacement Chart
Lighting Replacement Chart
Replace your bulbs with energy efficient alternatives
Maybe you're just replacing a burned out bulb. Or you're installing a
new fixture. In both cases, think about buying energy efficient lighting.
When it comes to replacement bulbs, you have a number of choices. For
example, you can replace a regular 60W incandescent bulb with a 52W incandescent,
a 15W compact fluorescent, or if appropriate, replace the fixture with
one that holds two 10W Warm White fluorescent tubes.
| The following charts will help make your buying
decisions easier: |
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Energy saving incandescent
They're just like regular light bulbs, except they come in slightly lower
wattages. You probably won't mind the slight difference in output, and
you'll reduce energy use by 10 - 15%.
Where to use
The low cost way to reduce energy usage. Use anywhere you're using regular
incandescents.
Buying tip
- Don't confuse energy saving incandescents with long-life incandescents.
Although long-life bulbs may last up to 10 times longer than regular
ones, most put out 30% less light while using the same amount of power.
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Compact fluorescent
Compact fluorescent bulbs provide the same light as higher wattage incandescent
bulbs, but use a fraction of the energy. Although they cost more to buy,
they last much longer - an average of 5 to 9 years - and more than pay
for themselves in energy dollars saved.
Where to use
Compact fluorescents can replace most incandescents. An especially good
choice for lights that are on 3 - 4 hours a day.
Buying tips
- Light output varies from brand to brand. Check manufacturer's specifications.
- Compact fluorescents come in unique shapes and sizes. Measure the
space available in your lamp or fixture for length and width.
- Most compact fluorescents cannot be used with dimmer switches or photo
cells.
- Some compact fluorescents are not suitable for outdoor applications.
Read the manufacturer's instructions for full details.
- Compact fluorescent fixtures are available. If you are changing fixtures,
or renovating, consider these fixtures for future savings.
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Halogen
The designer's choice for energy efficient lighting, halogen bulbs are
similar to incandescents but produce a whiter light. They use an average
of 40% less electricity, last two to four times longer, and are available
in spot or flood types.
There are two main types of halogens - some that operate on standard
household voltage and can replace incandescent bulbs, and other small
low voltage bulbs that are for fixtures with a built-in transformer. The
small bulbs give the same output as the larger ones while using up to
50% less power than a regular bulb. Their size also allows them to fit
into very compact, stylish fixtures.
Where to use
Halogens are ideal for track lighting, pot lights, recessed down lights
and outdoor security lights. Other models are available for specialty
applications like highlighting art or creating pools of light in a room.
Buying tips
- Most halogen PAR lamps can be used with dimmer switches. Check the
manufacturer's instructions.
- Halogens come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Be sure to get the
right bulb for your application.
- Halogen PARs should not be used close to materials that are flammable
or susceptible to heat damage. Check the manufacturer's instructions.
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Fluorescent
Fluorescent tubes use 60% to 80% less energy than incandescents, and they
spread even light over wide areas. Although they cost more than normal
light bulbs, they last 10 to 20 times longer. Today you can buy fluorescent
tubes in a range from Cool White, Deluxe Cool White, Standard Warm, and
Deluxe Warm White. For personal grooming or general lighting, Deluxe Warm
White is the most natural.
Where to use
Fluorescents work well over counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms,
home office, workshop, basement, and garage.
Buying tips
- Fluorescent tubes require a ballast to operate and must be mounted
to special sockets.
- Most fluorescent tubes are not compatible with dimmer switches and
are not recommended for outdoor applications.
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