A Bright Idea for Saving Energy *

Abstract

In the United States, lighting for homes accounts for about 14% of all residential electricity usage (EIA, 2014). That's billions of dollars worth of electricity per year. The U.S. has passed legislation to phase out older, more inefficient incandescent light bulbs, and they are being replaced with newer, more-efficient bulb types like compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). How much energy (measured in kilowatt-hours [kWh]) and how much money could be saved by switching home lighting from incandescent bulbs to more-efficient lights?

Conduct a survey to find out what types of lights are used in homes in your area. Come up with an estimate for how many light fixtures (floor lamps, table lamps, ceiling lights, etc.) are used in an average home, and what types of light bulbs they use. Do background research to find out the relative efficiencies of different types of lighting. How much energy could be saved by replacing incandescent lights with more-efficient alternatives; or, if people in your area have already made the switch to more-efficient options, how much energy did they save? Based on the cost of electricity in your area (ask an adult to look at their electric bill), how much money could be saved?

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