L1. Replace Incandescent Lighting with Compact Fluorescent Lamps in Dwelling Units

Description

Standard incandescent light bulbs, typically used in public housing dwelling units, use three to four times more electricity than fluorescent lamps. Replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lamps will save as much as 75 percent of the electricity costs per lamp. In addition, because fluorescent lamps last longer than incandescent bulbs, the PHA saves on replacement and maintenance costs. The most appropriate type of fluorescent lighting for dwelling units is a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). Advances in technology over the past few years have brought great improvements to CFLs in terms of light quality and appearance, and CFLs now come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Although the initial cost of CFLs is high relative to incandescent lamps, the energy savings and reduced time and expense from lamp replacement make CFLs a cost effective energy conservation measure for many applications. Because the energy savings from a CFL depends on the number of hours the lamp is on, CFLs should be installed in areas with the heaviest use, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and hallways. There is a fair amount of variation in the light output (lumens) per watt of CFLs. To save on energy costs first choose the bulb with the light output you need, then choose the one with the lowest watts. The ENERGY STAR lumen chart will help you determine the lumens you need.

Applicability

• Single-family homes and apartments in multifamily buildings
• Dwelling units that do not have fluorescent lamps

Types

• Screw-in lamps that fit into existing lamp fixtures, just as incandescent bulbs do
• Hard-wired fixtures that consist of a ballast and a lamp socket permanently wired into a fixture

Considerations

• Care should be taken to ensure the light output of a CFL, measured in lumens, is adequate for a particular location.
• CFLs should be selected in appropriate sizes and shapes.
• Elderly residents often require higher light levels than younger people, due to reduced vision capabilities.
• The light output of some CFLs can decrease over time.
• When theft is a problem, hard-wired CFLs should be selected.
• CFLs are not compatible with dimming switches, unless they come with a special dimming ballast.
• Generally, fixtures should be replaced by qualified contractors.
• Because of the high cost of CFLs relative to incandescent bulbs, the PHA should consider being responsible for replacing them when they burn out.
• If halogen torchiere lamps are used in common areas, they should be replaced with CFL torchieres. Halogens can cause burns and fires due to their high heat output.

Performance/Economics

• Replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lamps will save as much as 75 percent of the electricity cost per lamp.
• CFLs used three hours per day can have a payback period of less than one year.
• Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL can save you $35-$40 in electricity costs over the life of the bulb.
• Because CFLs last up to six times longer than incandescent lamps, the PHA saves on replacement and maintenance costs.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-113 through 7-116 address replacing incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent lamps in dwelling units.

Energy Performance Contracting for Public and Indian Housing: A Guide for Participants, HUD, February 1992. Pages 27 and 28 address lighting upgrades using performance contracting.

Improving Energy Efficiency in Apartment Buildings, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 1995. ISBN 0-918249-23-6. Pages 119 through 121 address lighting upgrades.

ENERGY STAR Program: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. Addresses the energy-saving potential of CFLs, provides a buyer's guide, and includes a savings calculator. A tool is available on the ENERGY STAR site for property managers to find lighting and electrical distributors that are ENERGY STAR Partners. The distributors are sorted by state. These distributors may carry some or all of the following ENERGY STAR qualified product categories: ceiling fans, compact fluorescent lamps, exit signs, programmable thermostats, residential lighting fixtures and ventilating fans. HUD does not endorse any specific vendor.

Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, 1999, ISBN 0-918249-38-4. Chapter 11 addresses energy-efficient lighting upgrades. 

Lighting. Part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Consumer's Guide. Learn about lighting design, controls, types, and maintenance.