CoMPaCt fluoResCent laMPs (Cfls) deliveR
outstanding eneRgy effiCienCy and long
life within a vaRiety of inCandesCent
aPPliCations.
PhOtOgRaPhy © PhIlIPs lIghtIng
are currently available in both “twister” and
“covered” versions, the latter more closely mimicking the look and feel of incandescent bulbs.
• Stairwells in multi-rise properties are frequently lighted with fluorescent lamps, which
are often T12 34-watt models driven by magnetic ballasts. Upgrading to higher-efficien-cy 25-watt T8 fluorescent lamps, driven by
electronic ballasts, however, can drive sizable
energy savings. A fixture containing two T12
34-watt lamps, running on a standard magnetic
ballast 24 hours each day, would consume about
630 k Wh annually (72 Watts x 8,760 hours). The
cost of operating this fixture at a utility rate of
$0.10/kWh would be $63 per year. That same
fixture upgraded with two high-efficiency, long
life 25-watt T8 fluorescent lamps driven by an
electronic ballast would consume 39 watts, or
342 k Wh, and cost $34.20 per year to operate—a
savings of $28.80 per year, per fixture.
• Outdoor lighting around complex perimeters, and in parking areas and garages is moving toward the white light, high performance
and 20,000-30,000-hour lifespan of ceramic
metal halide technology. LEDs are also becoming available for outdoor use and offer bright
light, high efficiency and a 25,000-50,000-hour
lifespan. Depending on the climate, fluorescent
lamps can also work well outdoors, delivering
40,000-50,000 hours of life. Induction lamp
systems operating from dusk to dawn last the
longest at 100,000 hours or 24 years.
invESTigATE inCEnTivE OppOrTuni TiES
Not only should you investigate different lighting upgrades, but consider all the financing
options as well. Many financing options do not
require an up-front cash outlay by the property
management team. Energy and utility companies
may offer shared savings plans in which they are
paid out of the complex’ cost savings. Upgrade-related loans and leases are other options.
In addition, many utility companies currently
offer rebates on energy-efficient lamps, ballasts
and lighting controls; stimulus funds recently
made available through the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act may also be earmarked
for these types of energy-efficient initiatives.
As such incentives can significantly speed up
project payback periods and elevate returns on
investment, property managers are encouraged
to call their local utility or visit the National
Association of State Energy Officials Web site at
www.naseo.org to explore these opportunities.
For smaller upgrades, check out do-it-yourself
(DIY) stores. For larger projects, an accredited
local electrical distributor, lighting distributor
or energy service company is a sound bet, as
they can provide the hands-on expertise, oversight, installation and post-installation monitoring that will help ensure a project’s success.
Any energy efficient lighting upgrade—large
or small—can reduce energy consumption and
costs, minimize maintenance concerns and associated expenses, and support the environment. n
[inset] CeRaMiC
Metal halide
laMPs deliveR
the benefits
of white light,
long life, and
high effiCienCy
to a bRoad
Range of outdooR aPPliCations.
PhOtOgRaPhy ©
PhIlIPs lIghtIng
