Lighting – Common Questions
- Is it a good idea to turn off lights when leaving a room? Don't they use more energy when they are first turned back on?
- I've seen compact fluorescent bulbs in stores and they seem quite expensive – will they really save me money?
- Will compact fluorescents provide the same amount and quality of light as regular (incandescent) light bulbs?
- Can compact fluorescents be used in all types of fixtures?
- Do the "energy saver" or "energy miser" type of incandescent bulbs save as much as compact fluorescents?
- Does outdoor security lighting use a lot of electricity, and how can I save while still protecting my home and property?
Q. Is it a good idea to turn off lights when leaving a room? Don't they use more energy when they are first turned back on?
A. You should turn them off. While fluorescent lamps do use a tiny bit more upon start-up, if the light is off for more than 5 seconds, you'll save energy.
Q. I've seen compact fluorescent bulbs in stores and they seem quite expensive – will they really save me money?
A. Although the initial cost is quite a bit more than standard incandescent lamps, they last up to eight times as long and use only about one-quarter of the amount of electricity to provide the same amount of light. Over the life of the bulb, the reduced energy costs combined with reduced replacement costs make compact fluorescents an excellent investment.
Q. Will compact fluorescents provide the same amount and quality of light as regular (incandescent) light bulbs?
A. As long as you use the correct size or wattage, you will get the same amount of light. The CFLs' packaging will state equivalent sizing. Most CFLs sold today are intended as a direct replacement for incandescent lamps providing light that will create a "warm" environment and excellent colour rendering. Again, check the packaging to look for a "warm" colour light (2700K).
Q. Can compact fluorescents be used in all types of fixtures?
A. With the wide variety of sizes and shapes available, CFLs are designed to fit into most fixtures. However, a socket adapter may be required in some cases to accommodate the CFL's wider base. So while most fixtures may accept CFLs, the fixtures that stay on for long periods of time will save you the most money.
Q. Do the "energy saver" or "energy miser" type of incandescent bulbs save as much as compact fluorescents?
A. No, but they do use less than standard incandescents, so they are a good option in fixtures that will not accept compact fluorescents. While they last longer than standard incandescents it is not nearly as long as compact fluorescents. One word of caution: These lamps use less energy and provide less light output, so they are best for general lighting use rather than task lighting – like reading.
Q. Does outdoor security lighting use a lot of electricity, and how can I save while still protecting my home and property?
A. Electric use will depend on the wattage of the lights and hours of operation. Since outdoor security lights are typically incandescent and higher in wattage than indoor lights, the cost to operate them can be significant, particularly if a large number of high-wattage lights are used. You can save by limiting the hours of operation with timers, photocells or motion detectors. Caution: Most CFLs will fail prematurely if used with these control devices. Generally dimmable CFLs are required.
