This fall, the EPA is encouraging simple, energy-efficient choices at home that add up to major savings and environmental benefits. The EPA estimates that changing five light bulbs in every American home would save $3 billion per year in electricity costs and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to eight million cars.
The ENERGY STAR program is partnering with manufacturers, retailers, state governments and utilities throughout the United States to help consumers find and buy energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures. During October and November, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy sponsor the ENERGY STAR "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign. The effort encourages Americans to switch to lighting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label - to save energy, money and protect the environment.
A typical household spends about $100 a year, or more than 7% of its energy bill on lighting. Replacing the five highest use lights in the home with ENERGY STAR-qualified models will help the typical homeowner save more than $60 every year in energy costs. Generally, the most frequently used light fixtures are the kitchen overhead light, living room table and floor lamps, bathroom vanity and outdoor porch light.
ENERGY STAR fixtures and bulbs last six to 10 times longer than standard models and provide the same amount of light while running on two-thirds less energy. In addition, qualified lighting generates about 70% less heat than standard incandescent lighting, which means it's cooler to the touch and can help reduce energy costs associated with cooling the home. In the last year alone, the availability and variety of ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures have increased dramatically and the market share has risen to 4% of all fixture sales.
For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.
