In this era of gadgets and social networking, a high electricity bill is inevitable. In fact, in an average household, 10% of the entire budget is spent on lighting alone. The high cost of power consumption is often caused by the frequent turning on and off of outdoor lights and fixtures. Not only does it waste energy, it also decreases the operational life of a conventional light bulb. Lessening the use of home electronics to save energy is not exactly an attractive proposal. Fortunately, there are other ways to reduce power expenditure, one of which is switching to energy-saving low voltage outdoor lighting.
There are three types of lighting products that qualify as energy-efficient. These are halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although homeowners would have to spend more on initial costs, these bulbs save households money over the long term.
Halogen Incandescent Bulbs
Compared with traditional light bulbs, halogen bulbs last three times longer. These are also 25% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. These come in a variety of shapes and colors that can also be used with dimmers. Halogen, the source of the light-producing reaction, is sealed inside the bulb.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Compact fluorescent lamps or bulbs can save enough money to pay for itself within nine months of usage. These last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, and are 75% more efficient. Homeowners can get the same brightness and color of standard incandescent lights for less the cost.
LED Lighting
Light-emitting diodes (LED) are rapidly gaining popularity in homes and businesses. These bulbs are the most energy-efficient among the three. They use only 20-25% of the energy used by traditional incandescent bulbs. Their life span can last up to 25 times more than that of conventional lights. Because they have a rapid on and off cycle, the quality of the light they produce does not diminish with frequency of use. This makes it ideal as an outdoor landscape lighting solution.
Outdoor lighting is a great way to decorate a home. Small changes like switching light bulbs can make a big difference to a household. By using energy-saving lights from such professionals as Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, homeowners can enjoy the savings and benefits of using sustainable products.