Autumn is here and with the end of daylight-savings time, energy-efficient advancements in lighting present an opportunity for consumers to make smart choices to reduce their electric bills. Choosing to install ENERGY STAR®-certified light emitting diodes (LEDs) both inside and outside your home will provide measurable results.

LEDs are the latest in energy-efficient lighting technology and are changing the future of lighting in the United States. LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.  In addition, compared to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), LEDs contain no mercury so they are better for the environment. 

There is an energy-efficient bulb for nearly every application in and outside your home.  However, there are a number of things to think about such as location, fixture, brightness and color. Most homeowners select bulbs by looking at watts, but with LEDs, the important thing to remember is to look at the lumen rating. Also, make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR logo when choosing the light bulb to ensure you get the best quality LED bulb.

“Manufacturers have made it easy for consumers by including this information on the package,” said Evan Seretan, acting manager of residential energy services, The United Illuminating Company. “Similar to a nutrition label found in grocery stores, the lighting facts label provides information that can help consumers choose the right bulb for indoor versus outdoors.”

While lumens help you determine a bulb’s brightness, another important consideration is the color of the light, or “color temperature”, which can affect the appearance of an area. LED light bulbs are available in a variety of colors from warm yellow to cool daylight, with options for outdoor applications listed on the packaging and facts label. 

Seretan added that switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to LEDs is a simple, yet effective way to reduce energy use outside your home. “Switching lights around your property such as flood lights, walkway fixtures, lamp posts lighting and other decorative and ornamental lights for the holidays will use less energy and help save money on energy bills and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change,” said Seretan.

More LED Features 

• Light Source: LEDs are the size of a fleck of pepper, and a mix of red, green, and blue LEDs is typically used to make white light.

• Direction: LEDs emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light. This feature makes LEDs more efficient for many uses such as recessed down lights and task lighting. With other types of lighting, the light must be reflected to the desired direction.

• Heat: LEDs emit very little heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90 percent of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80 percent of their energy as heat.

To help consumers make the switch to LEDs, discounts are now available through the Energize Connecticut initiative, and prices are dropping as the lighting becomes more common. For more information on energy-saving programs and services provided through the Energize Connecticut initiative, call 1-877-WISE-USE or visit energizeCT.com.

About Energize Connecticut:

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.  

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