As the world’s energy crisis worsens, the government and many environmental protection organizations are encouraging people to save energy. One of the best ways that you can save energy and help the environment is by using energy efficient light bulbs. The fact of the matter is that these energy efficient light bulbs do not only help you save energy, the also help you save money.
It is possible to literally lower your energy costs by hundreds of dollars each year by simply changing the kind of light bulbs you use. Many don’t even know the differences between the types of light bulbs and unfortunately that means that they don’t know how much they can actually save.
The first thing you need to do is become familiar with the various kinds of lighting available. Lighting can be separated into three general types and they are incandescent, discharge and light-emitting diodes. Incandescent lamps are the oldest variety and are easily recognized by the glowing filaments inside of them. They are the most common type of lighting used, but are also the least efficient of all the options.
Discharge lamps are another type of light bulb that is a little more efficient. Understanding how discharge lamps work is important. Fluorescent lamps and high-intensity lamps are also in the discharge lamp category. These three different types of lamps are categorized for using glowing gas.
Light-emitting diode light bulbs are not used in homes that often. It’s important to understand that discharge lamps use glowing gas, while incandescent lamps use a glowing filament. The glowing gas is actually significantly more energy efficient.
A deeper understanding of energy efficiency is still important, though. Consumers have to know and understand a product before making a purchase and this way they can save a lot of money in the long run. When it comes to light bulbs, the term luminous flux refers to the amount of light that is emitted from a lamp and this can guide you when making a purchase.
This is measured by lumens or lm. Approximately 700lm is emitted by a the common 60W incandescent light bulb. Then there is the 58W tubular fluorescent lamp which emits about 5000lm.Interestingly, these two light bulbs which cost about the same, emit significantly different quantities of light.
Also keep in mind that there is a term used to describe lamp efficiency and this is known as efficacy. There is a mathematical formula that you can use to figure out what the efficacy of a light bulb is. To found out you will first have to realize that the he formula is actually a ratio between the amount of light that a lamp produces and the amount of power required to produce that particular amount of light.
The use of more efficient light bulbs is most probably the best way to keep our electricity bills at a minimum. Another benefit of using these light bulbs, however, is that along with saving money you are also doing your fair share of saving the environment by cutting down your personal use of energy.
