A Look Behind Inefficient Lighting in US Homes

With energy conservation techniques and energy efficiency measures gaining precedence worldwide, an effortless switch many households have made is to eschew traditional incandescent lighting in favor of power-saving LED bulbs. Not only do the traditional bulbs draw more power compared to LEDs, their lifespan is also relatively short, needing frequent replacements. This translates to a dual added expense for homeowners.

Lighting accounts for a fifth of the average American household’s electric bill. Every month the conventional halogen bulbs are sold represents $300 million lost in energy savings and 800,000 tons of carbon dioxide spewed into the atmosphere. Fortunately, the transition to LED lighting is easy to make. LED lighting doesn’t require any special fixtures and can easily be installed in homes. However, many communities in the United States - specifically lower-income households are still held captive to inefficient, energy-intensive lighting solutions. There are a few reasons for this - Many individuals are ignorant of the savings LED lighting provides. Small towns and low-end retailers still stock their shelves with old-fashioned halogen lighting and advertise them as the best option available. Profit margins on traditional lighting are more than those on LEDs; this is an incentive for companies to promote conventional lighting more prominently. The pricing of LEDs bulbs also shows disparity – they cost $2.50 more in poorer communities as compared to more affluent areas.

Additionally, the Trump administration blocked a rule to phase out incandescent bulbs citing it as an impediment to consumer choice. It is disheartening to note that such incongruity exists in the area of energy-efficient lighting. Energy efficiency isn’t a prerogative of the wealthy; it is a responsibility to be shouldered by all regardless of race or social status. ENPOSS has been striving to make energy efficiency accessible and affordable for all communities. Switch to LED lighting in conjunction with the installation of FORCE power-saving device to witness an added cost-benefit and a definite drop in energy consumption!