Energy 101

Part 1: Lighting and small appliances

Every day we see new energy and cost-saving products and ideas.  But a smart approach to saving energy is to start with some basic efficiency improvements that can be done inexpensively. We’ll introduce these ideas as a series that gives an overview - a 101 level course, if you will - on low-cost and no-cost conservation or efficiency measures. We will identify several items throughout the series that can be purchased at your local hardware store for around - you guessed it - $101.

Upcoming articles in the series will cover heating and air conditioning, water heating, and home envelope issues.  But in this, our first issue, we’ll cover the basics of efficient lighting and small appliances.

Q: How much of my energy use is attributable to lighting and small appliances?
A: According to the Energy Saver’s guide from the US Department of Energy, appliances and lights account for more than 30% of the energy used in a US home.

Q: What’s the main item I should purchase if I had $101 dollars to spend?
A: Replace at least your five most used light fixtures with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).  CFLs are now available for almost any type of fixture and/or circuit, inside and out. Visit www.energystar.gov to find out more. Once there, click Lighting under the Product section then CFLs on the side panel. The advanced search helps you match the right CFL model to your fixture.

Q: I’ve heard the color that CFLs give off is not attractive
A: The first generation CFLs were actually somewhat greenish. Yech! The warm incandescent lighting to which we are accustomed is a yellowish light. When shopping for CFLs look for bulbs that are labeled “warm yellow light”.  Bulbs labeled “natural light” are tuned to daylight, which is bluish and cool, so be careful and double check claims by looking for the color temperature. Look for something near to 2700 Kelvin – the color temperature of most incandescent lights.

Q: Are CFLs dangerous to have around my family?
A: There has been quite a bit made in the media of the vaporized Mercury contained in CFLs.  However, incandescent bulbs, because they use 4 times as much energy, are responsible for much more environmental mercury than CFLs. That’s because coal used to generate electricity is the primary source of environmental Mercury in the Southeast. Plus it’s the cause of many other environmental pollutants, including CO2.  However if they accidentally break one be very careful. Open windows, shut off air conditioning and leave the room for at least 15 minutes while you go find the EPA guidelines for cleaning up.

Q: What about LEDs?
A: Few energy efficiency experts debate whether LEDs will be an important part, if not the most effective lighting strategy in the future.  But there are few consumer products on the market, and even the commercial products that are available are far from the price range one would consider low cost.

Q: If small applicances use so much electricity, how do I pick the best ones for my home??
A: Always look for the Energy Guide label. This large yellow label compares the energy consumption of one appliance to another (keep in mind the electricity rates used are national averages). Sometimes a less expensive appliance doesn’t really save you money. If the appliance doesn’t have an Energy Guide label, look for the one (or ones!) that have an Energy Star label. You can also check out Energy Star’s website for information on local in-store rebates and what specific appliances have received the Energy Star rating. Energy Star certifies light fixtures, too. When you replace, upgrade!

Q: I’ve heard people suggest using power strips saves money for appliances, because they can be used to turn off multiple appliances.
A: Power strips can be used too for this purpose but only if you remember to go around and cut the strip off. Essential appliances, like refrigerators, shouldn’t be connected to power strips.

Q: Is this what you call phantom load?
A: Yes- any appliance that is plugged into an outlet is drawing power. The reason you can cut your TV on with a remote is because it is drawing power. Some devices that have LCD displays for clocks or timers for recording (Digital Video Recorders for example) require a constant but tiny stream power, but your coffee maker or toaster oven doesn’t. You can use timers for some devices that have large loads such as outdoor lighting and hot water heaters. Also, keep an eye out for new technology coming onto the market called “smart strips”. While the first generation of these home power management devices were sketchy, the current models are much better. Look for WattStopper and similar devices that offer a “set it and forget it” capability to manage usage.

This brings me to my closing point: electric devices use the least amount of energy when they are off.  Remember to “turn it off.” You should hit the lights when you leave the room, particularly at the office. Studies have shown that those five minute trips you take down the hall most often end up being fifteen or twenty. Other appliances which use electricity that people are likely to forget as they leave a room are ceiling fans and bathroom fans (some bathroom fans can exhaust 100 cubic feet per minute of conditioned air if left on). Shutting a light or appliance off doesn’t cost a dime!

Websites to visit:
www.eere.energy.gov/consumer
www.energystar.gov/lighting
www.changealightnc.org

Sterling Bowen works with Southern Energy Management, the leading residential and commercial sustainable energy services company in the Carolinas, where he provides solar energy and efficiency solutions for commercial, industrial and public sector clients.

Questions can be emailed to sterling@southern-energy.com.