Which saves more energy?

Question

Lamps or Ceiling fan lights? (You know what I mean about ceiling fan lights, if you don't, ask. Not sure what to call them) All of a sudden I gotten very energy conscience. After I take my shower, I turn off the bathroom light right away, and I'm always 'cleaning' up after those people who leave the lights on.

Just curious, really. I have the ceiling fan lights that I use often, but they make my room so warm. I've moved my lamps around (I have 2 little ones that take 60w bulbs) and find that my room stays much cooler and I have enough light to see or do what I want to (normally only use 1).

What are some other simple ways I can save energy?

Thanks for your time!

Answer 1

The amount of energy that your ceiling fan lights use compared to your lamps is simply a matter of what light bulbs you have in your fan (and how many) compared to the light bulbs in your lamps. Since you say that you have 2 lamps with 60 watt bulbs, I would assume that you have 4 lights on your fan. So if you have 60 watt bulbs in your fan, you will be using 2 times the energy as your lamps. If the bulbs in your fan are more than 60 watts, then you are using even more.

In any case, if you switch the bulbs in your fan to 13 watt compact fluorescent bulbs, you will be using less than half the power as your 2 60 watt lamps, this is if you prefer to use the fan light because it is overhead. Otherwise, put the 13 watt fluorescent bulbs in your lamps and you will save the most.

Even better, put 13 watt fluorescent bulbs throughout the house for the most energy savings with your lighting.

Finally, there are now a few ceiling fans on the market that are Energy Star rated, so the motors are more efficient, and if they have a built-in light, it will be fluorescent. So you may want to consider replacing your energy consuming ceiling fan with an Energy Star model.

Answer 2

Installing CFLs in your home can reduce your annual electricity bill by 14% and last 6 to 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They are now widely available in many styles and designs for as low as $1.50 a bulb.

Purchase local produce and use tap water not bottled, not only does this support the local economy it also reduces the carbon emissions from food transport, which accounts for about 19% of all emissions.

The average household wastes $76 in stand-by a year, turn your appliances off when not in use.

Reduce your heating thermostat by 1 degree can reduce your heating bills by 10% per year. Reduce your hot water tank thermostat to 50 degrees, each 5.5 degree reduces you hot water heating cost by 13%. Put a thick insulation jacket on your hot water tank (less than $20), this prevents heat loss from your tank and can save about $20 a year in hot water costs.

Also check out all the tips at this page which are free;

http://howtosaveenergy.blogspot.com/2007/04/energy-saving-tips.html

Insulation, you could consider installing cavity wall insulation or roof insulation. 25 - 40% of heat is lost through the walls and 25% through the roof. Installing both will signifigantly reduce your annual heating and air con bills and you should beable to recoup the cost within 1 to 3 years. This will save about 2-3 tonnes of Co2 per year. The cost is about $750, but grants are available, some up to 100% of the cost. They can be installed in a under a day.

Energy Saver
http://howtosaveenergy.blogspot.com
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Answer 3

Switch from 60 watt incandescent bulbs to 13 watt compact fluorescent bulbs. They produce as much light as the 60 watt bulb and do not get as hot.

Answer 4

In your case, lamp saves more energy than ceiling fan lights.