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In the absence of
high air conditioning costs, due to our temperate climate,
lighting becomes a substantial portion of typical
residential energy electricity costs. The good news is that
there are now affordable technologies that greatly
improve the efficiency of lights in the home and can
make a big dent in the bill.
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Compact Fluorescent Lamps
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Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are an efficient
alternative to traditional “A-type” light bulbs we
are all familiar with. Using CFLs, the same
light level can be produced for one-fourth the
energy, and improvements in fluorescent lights in
general make the light almost indistinguishable from
incandescent light in terms of color. |
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The high price of a CFL
may scare you off initially, but it shouldn't. The
typical incandescent light bulb may cost only 50
cents, but it will cost approximately $12.00 in
electricity costs for 1,000 hours of use (the life
of the bulb). A CFL, with the equivalent light
output, and ten times the lifespan, can be purchased
for approximately $5.00, but will only use $3 a year
in energy cost. That saves you $9 every year...and
it lasts 10 years! You get your money back in the
first year AND you continue to save every year after
that.
NOW which light bulb is cheaper?! |
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For more
information, contact:
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EnergyStar:
(888) 782-7837
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Lightbulbs Unlimited: (310) 829-7400, located at 2309
Wilshire Blvd.
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Fisher Lumber: (310) 395-0956, located at 1600
Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica
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Santa Monica Energy Office: (310) 458-2238
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Fluorescent
Torchieres |
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The halogen torchiere lamp that stands high and
beams light off the ceiling is a popular fixture in
many residential home living rooms and bedrooms but
it is an energy travesty and a fire hazard as well!
A fluorescent alternative is now available that
produces equivalent light output, retains the
dimming capability, and again saves 75% of the
energy! In this case the entire fixture is exchanged
for a fluorescent version that uses a new
fluorescent lamp shape (the “double D”). The
equivalent light output is created with a cooler
lamp (warm to the touch but not the 1000°F fire
hazard of a halogen lamp.
The halogen variety
has been documented as having started hundreds of
fires nationwide when dust, clothes, or curtains
have contacted the hot lamp, and in some cases when
the fragile lamp has burst and scattered white-hot
glass onto combustible furniture or carpet.
Needless to say, the replacement of these fixtures
should be a priority for every homeowner.
You can now buy
energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s)
at most local retailers, home improvement, and
warehouse stores. Fluorescent torchieres may
require a little more searching, but a number of
manufacturers make them now, and lamp stores should
be familiar with them. Contact the City’s office if
you experience difficulty locating a source for
these lamps.
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This page was last modified on
08/06/2008
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