Energy
Efficient Lighting
Various Light fixtures
and the light bulbs, or lamps as we refer to them, vary in their efficiency to
produce light. When selecting a light
fixture or lamp you should consider the following:
·
For recessed fixtures Select an I.C.(insulated ceiling)
rated housing to allow you to insulate right up to and above
the fixture. If you select a non-I.C.
rated fixture the insulation will need to be a minimum of 3” away from the
fixture. Note: this distance is
generally for recessed fixtures with incandescent and fluorescent lamps. (Check manufacturer specifications for the
more commercial type fixtures and lamps.)
It is important to realize that if you select non-I.C. recessed light
fixtures that your energy bill to cool and heat your house will be higher.
·
Select recessed fixtures which are considered “air tight” or
install gaskets or use calk to eliminate the
transfer of air between the conditioned and non conditioned space in the attic
or between floors.
·
Does it cost more to buy I.C recessed fixtures? NO.
Most manufacturers sell the I.C. rated housings
for the same as one which is non I.C.
The cost of recessed fixtures varies for other quality reasons, not
because they are rated for insulated ceilings.
·
Does it cost more to buy air tight fixtures? Yes it does, but the cost varies along with
the variation of air tightness that is
built into the fixture. Most
manufacturers aim for the goal of meeting the Washington State Energy Code for
conserving energy. The added cost you
might pay to meet this standard is a couple of dollars. The selection of the
trim affects the air tightness of the fixture and you may have to purchase an
inexpensive gasket to reduce the airflow.
High end fixtures are generally built better and are more air tight.
·
Incandescent lamps are very inefficient in
their use of energy to produce light.
These lamps produce a good bit of heat which also causes you to use more
cooling energy in the summer months.
·
Parabolic or PAR lamps are a more efficient type incandescent lamp
over the standard A-lamp (standard grocery store model) because the lamp
includes a parabolic reflector to increase the light output. Therefore the energy to lumen output
efficiency is increased.
·
Flourescent lamps are 3 times as efficient as incandescent
lamps. Fluorescent lamps are made in all shapes and
sizes to be used as an alternative to the incandescent lamp. The drawback is the cost. A fluorescent lamp requires a ballast to
operate. This increases the cost of a
recessed fixture. Also, the cost of the
lamps themselves are about 10 times as costly as an incandescent. They do, however, last much longer.
·
Even though they are terribly inefficient, in
some situations conventional incandescents are still the best choice. Where you
have more illumination than you need but few hours of operation, or other
conditions that would rule out a compact fluorescent, you may be able to
substitute lower wattage incandescent
lamps.
·
For outside or commercial applications, you should consider
using other more efficient lamp types.
See the chart below
for a comparison of lamp efficiencies
. 
Over time the light
output of a lamp decreases. See these Lamp Life
charts.
PEMBA INC considers
energy efficiency a major part of lighting design. Call us to develop your lighting plan.
Contact
us at: 504-393-6441
email us: