HLCA Favors Lighting Control over CFLs

Lights can account for up to 20 percent of a home's electricity bill. In a way, that's good news for homeowners who earnestly want to save money on their energy bills, according to the Home Lighting Control Alliance (HLCA).

Lighting is a component of the electricity bill that can easily be controlled, allowing homeowners to save money, explains Gary Meshberg of lighting manufacturer Lightolier and chair of the HLCA.

The quick fix for saving on lighting bills, however, might not be compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) -- and increasing popular solution. The bulbs are certainly more energy efficient and last longer than conventional bulbs.

To many who want the flexibility that comes with a lighting control system, however, CFLs aren't versatile enough to fill the bill. Up until recently, Meshberg explains, CFLs weren't dimmable, "meaning they had to be full on or off," and therefore not ideal for a lighting control system.

That's changing, according to Meshberg. "Dimmable versions of the CFL are just now starting to come onto the market, however, they are considerably more expensive and frankly do not dim as well as the standard incandescent bulb. For example, below a certain level, they start to flicker or give off a harsh light. Not surprisingly, studies show that consumers do not find this type of light warm or pleasing."

The HLCA also points out, in a press release, that CFLs aren't ideal for "instant on" applications for use in a three-position lamp or ceiling fan, for instance. They also can't be used with vacancy or occupancy sensors, according to the organization.

The best places around the home to use a CFL, the HLCA concludes, are where they will be controlled with a toggle switch or in a system where they will be used on or off.

Alternatively, the HLCA suggests that a lighting control system using conventional bulbs is a logical solution for many homeowners looking to save on electricity bills.

"Today's lighting control products can pay for themselves over the life of the system while providing additional benefits of comfort, convenience and security," says Dan Fulmer of Jacksonville, Fla.-based FulTech Solutions, an integrator that handles lighting control.

The biggest reason that HLCA endorses lighting control as opposed to full conversion to CFLs is the ability to use a dimmer. "Many people don't realize that among the simplest, most cost-effective ways to trim your electric bill is with a dimmer," says David Bruce of Square D, a lighting and lighting control manufacturer.

"By allowing you to reduce lighting levels when you simply don't need as much light, this really adds to your bottom line. How much? Simply dim your lights by 25 percent and you pocket 20 percent in electricity savings. Dim lights by half and you increase your savings by 40 percent."