Easy Home Lighting Retrofits That Payoff Fast

It is the small changes that make a big difference in what it means to be green. It is the desirable outcomes of the changes that encourage us to find ways to make more. However, making small changes are often overshadowed by the visible and immediate payoffs of making major household upgrades.

Of course making any environmentally friendly decisions elicits a feeling of satisfaction. And making financially wise ones offers a similar sense of gratification. So, why not have both? When energy savings and cost savings coincide, it is to the benefit of both the planet and the consumer. So what changes can be made that are both ecological and economical?

The home has many opportunities to go green. Lighting is one of the easiest, most effective changes we can make for greater home energy savings. And since 20% of the electric bill can be attributed to lighting, a few simple upgrades can deliver substantial cost savings (EIA's Annual Energy Outlook, 2006).

Here are some simple considerations, in terms of energy and cost, to help you understand the value of retrofitting your home lighting:

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs

CFLs provide the same amount of light using less power and producing less heat than incandescent light bulbs. Based on typical household use, a CFL light bulb will last more than 7 years.

Average cost per bulb: $5
Payback period: About 6 months
Cost savings: More than $40 (50%) in electricity costs over its lifetime.
Energy Savings: About 75% less energy used than standard incandescent bulbs
Lifetime: 10 times longer

Consider new LED bulbs

LEDs are precise, instantaneous and durable. Based on normal use, a LED light bulb installed in a newborn's nursery won't have to be changed until he or she graduates from college.

Average cost per bulb: $10
Cost savings: 80% or more
Energy savings: At least 75% less energy used than incandescent bulbs.
Lifetime: 15 times longer

Install lighting control systems

Lighting controls, such as dimmers or daylight sensors, save energy and the life of the bulb by providing more light when it is needed the most and less when it is not.

Average cost of residential dimmer: $16
Payback period: Less than 2 years (the higher the dimming, the shorter the payback period).
Cost savings: $30 annually over 10 or more years. $6.82/year average annual cost savings.
Energy savings: Reduces energy by 15% or more. 20% average energy savings.
Lifetime: 4 times

Install motion detectors

Safety doesn’t have to come with a price tag in the form of a hefty electric bill. Install motion detectors to turn on lights only when there is a movement.

Cost: $16-$100
Cost savings: 10% annually
Energy savings: 10% annually

Install solar-powered outdoor lights

Renewable energy never runs out. Take advantage of the natural light from the sun to illuminate a darkened pathway at your home.

Cost: $60-$100
Cost savings: Almost 100%
Energy savings: Almost 100%

The next time a light bulb burns out, keep in mind that the average home has between 30 and 45 light bulbs, which makes replacing each one a big change after all.

About the author
Elizabeth Smyth is a writer for Precision Paragon, an energy efficient commercial lighting manufacturer and leader in lighting retrofits.

Energy and cost savings information based on data provided by Energy Star.

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Check out the new book Green Lighting for more tips and tricks on getting the most out of your lighting. And check out the upcoming book tour. Find out more about the appearance on ABC News Now here and listen to Brian and Seth Leitman talk green lighting on Blog Talk Radio:

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