Safe and Sustainable Lighting
Published May. 2017|Id: L 344
By
Gina Peek, Jan Johnston, Paulette Hebert
Incandescent Lightbulbs
How Do They Work?
- When electric currents move through a tungsten wire, the tungsten wire heats up and produces light.
Making a Sustainable Choice
- Only about 8% of the energy they use creates visible light.
- The rest of the energy is wasted as heat!
Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)
How Do They Work?
- When electricity passes through a gas-filled glass tube, a special coating inside the tube produces light.
Making a Sustainable Choice
- About 21% of the energy they use creates visible light.
- Most of our energy comes from coal-fired power plants that put mercury into the environment.
- Even though CFLs contain a tiny bit of mercury, they reduce the overall amount of mercury that goes into the environment by using less energy.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
How Do They Work?
- Electricity passes through semiconductors to make light
- New white-light LEDs work in your home just like incandescent bulbs and CFLs
Making a Sustainable Choice
- About 20-30% of the energy they use creates visible light.
- LED technology is changing rapidly. Check the stores often for new products as they hit the shelves!
When Thinking of Lighting Costs, Consider...
- Initial cost: How much will the bulb cost when you first buy it?
- Lifespan: How often will you have to replace the bulb?
- Energy use: How much energy does the bulb use?
Table 1. Light Source Comparison
| Incandescents | CFLs | LEDs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Lifespan | About 1,000 hours | About 10,000 hours | About 20,000 hours! |
| Energy Use | High | Low | Very Low |
- To make certain that you are purchasing a quality product, choose bulbs with the Energy Star® logo.
- Be sure to purchase bulbs from a reputable manufacturer.
- For best results, choose white-light LEDs.
What the Package Can Tell You...
How much Power does the bulb use?
- Power usage is measured in watts.
- The greater the wattage, the more power used.
How bright is the light?
- Brightness is measured in lumens.
- The larger the number, the more lumens, the brighter the light.
How long does the bulb last?
- Average lifespan is measured in hours.
All of these things can tell you how much the lighting really costs!
Choose the bulb that is right for you!
- People with limited sight abilities need lighting that can help prevent falls and improve daily activities.
- Any bulb can enhance safety and security when used the right way.
Gina Peek, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist
Housing & Consumer Issues
Jan Johnston, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist
Gerontology
Paulette Hebert, Ph.D.
Professor and Chris Salmon Professor
Design, Housing & Merchandising