EcoTips
CFL: Efficient & affordable
Compact florescent bulbs (CFLs) come in a myriad of different shapes, sizes, and colours of light. CFLs cost a bit more than an incandescent, but use about a quarter as much energy and last many times longer (usually around 10,000 hours). It is estimated that a CFL pays for its higher price after about 500 hours of use. After that, it's money in your pocket. Also, because CFLs release less heat, not only are they safer, but your cooling load is less in the summer.
Why LED??
LEDs, or light emitting diodes, are a technology that allows for extremely energy efficient and extremely long-lasting light bulbs. LEDs are just starting to hit the consumer market in a big (read affordable) way and still cost quite a bit more than even CFLs, but use even less energy and last even longer. An LED light bulb can reduce energy consumption by 80-90% and last around 50,000 hours. They even light up faster than regular bulbs (which could save your life it there are LEDs in the brake lights of your car). They are almost always more expensive presently, but we have seen the cost go down steadily.
Most LED fittings on the market have the bulbs built into them, so you buy the whole unit. For screw-in bulbs, check out SYLVANIA.
Recycling
Fluorescents last a long time, but when they're dead, they have to be properly disposed of. CFLs, like all florescent bulbs, do contain a small amount of mercury, which means they definitely can't be thrown in the trash. Here in Cyprus we have Weee ELECTROCYCLOSIS, that collects the recycled lamps from specific points. Our shop is one of them!
Daylighting
By far, the best source of light we know is (yes, you guessed it) the sun, which gives off free, full-spectrum light all day and thank God here in Cyprus we have plenty. Make the most of daylight by keeping your blinds open (sounds obvious but you might be surprised). If you want to go a little further, if you are designing a home or doing a renovation, put as many windows on the south-facing side of the house as possible. To take it even further, install solar panels. Solar panel convert solar energy into electrical energy ready to use in your home.
Dimmers and motion sensors
Motion sensors can be a good way to keep lights turned off when they're not needed and dimmers can give you just the right amount of light. In addition to that timers can be set to turn things on and off when needed.