K July 2012
KLEINWOOD
K leinwood Krier Official Publication of the Kleinwood Homeowners Association
Volume 2, Issue 7
3 Ways To Cut Your Energy Bill The warm weather of summer is wonderful for enjoying barbecues and spending time outdoors. Less inviting, however, are the inevitable heat waves that send us scurrying into the comfort of our air-conditioned homes. When that whopping energy bill arrives, we are desperate to try alternatives to reducing our energy usage. The American Lighting Association offers the following easy ways to use less energy and save money: REPLACE BULBS WITH CFLS Switch out your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent versions. "A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) can provide the same amount of light as an incandescent by using only one-quarter of the electricity," explains Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA) and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky's School of Interior Design. "For example, a 26-watt CFL provides the same amount of light as a 100-watt incandescent," he adds. "One of the great myths regarding lighting today is that the federal government is 'banning' incandescent lighting," Rey-Barreau remarks. "This is false. Incandescent lighting is not being banned. The new legislation is only affecting the standard 100-watt incandescent bulb. Now, it is true that the 100-watt incandescent bulb will no longer be sold beginning Jan. 1, 2012. However, a replacement incandescent bulb that uses only 72 watts will replace it," he continues. "This new bulb uses halogen incandescent technology to produce a more efficient incandescent bulb." Before you swap out an incandescent for a CFL, pay attention to color temperature, says Jeff Dross, corporate director/Education & Industry Trends for Kichler Lighting. "Select CFLs with a color temperature of 2700K or 3000K. Incandescent lamping falls within this same range, so the color will blend well in the interior space, making you feel the most comfortable," says Dross. Furthermore, seek out CFLs that have the Energy Star symbol. To earn the rating, the bulb manufacturers must ensure a lamp life of 6,000 hours and the color rendering index (CRI) must be a minimum of 80. Dross says, "Following these guidelines will assure good performance." It will become easier to follow these recommendations next year, when new FTC rules on bulb labeling take effect. Much more data will appear on the light bulb carton, making the decision process much easier. When in doubt about bulb selection, consult a lighting professional at one of the many independently owned ALA-member lighting retailers located across the United States. Confused about where to begin? Start by conducting an analysis of your lighting habits. Determine which fixtures burn for the most hours. These are the top candidates for replacement with an energy-efficient model. In a typical home, undercabinet lighting in the kitchen and outdoor lighting on the home's façade tend to be the most used. Select long-lasting LED cabinet lighting or fluorescent outdoor sconces to save the most money and provide the biggest return (Continued on page 5) Copyright Š 2012 Peel, Inc.
The Kleinwood Krier - July 2012
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