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ECM: Lighting

L5. Convert Exterior Lighting Fixtures

DescriptionPhoto: Illuminate exterior with energy-efficient fixtures.

In developments where mercury vapor, incandescent, or halogen exterior lighting fixtures illuminate exterior areas such as grounds or parking lots, substantial savings can be realized by converting these fixtures to high pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide lighting. In addition, the color quality of both types of lighting is much better than that of mercury vapor lamps. In some cases, such as porch lights, compact fluorescent lamps may be the most appropriate replacement for incandescent lighting.

Applicability

  • Developments with mercury vapor, incandescent, or halogen exterior lighting

Types

  • Metal halide
  • High-pressure sodium vapor (HPS)

Considerations

  • An experienced lighting professional should convert the fixtures. and may be able to provide additional lighting consultation.
  • While energy efficiency is lower, “white” or “indoor” types of HPS lamps have better color quality than the “outdoor” types.
  • Low pressure sodium lamps are not recommended because all colors appear yellow or gray under these lamps.
  • Recommended light levels should be maintained after conversion.

Performance/Economics

  • HPS and metal halide lighting is twice as efficient as mercury vapor lighting, four times more efficient than halogen, and eight times more efficient than incandescent lighting.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-133 through 7-136 address converting exterior lighting fixtures.

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.

Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, 1999, ISBN 0-918249-38-4. Pages 177 through 178 address converting exterior lighting fixtures to energy efficient HID and halogen lighting.

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

CAUTION STATEMENT

TURN OFF UTILITIES: Turn off electricity, gas, propane, and other utilities before starting repairs, cleaning, or installations to avoid accident or injury.

BE AWARE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS: Many residences built before 1978 have paint that contains lead, which can pose a serious health hazard if paint, chips, and dust are not handled properly. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead brief before disturbing painted surfaces in homes of this vintage. Follow the HUD "Lead-Safe Housing Rule" for requirements for notification, evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards.

BE AWARE OF ASBESTOS HAZARDS: Homes older than 1977 may have building products that contain asbestos such as insulation, high-temperature gaskets, roofing and siding shingles, and vinyl sheet flooring. See the EPA asbestos brief before disturbing such materials.

BE AWARE OF MOLD AND MOISTURE HAZARDS: Molds can gradually destroy materials they grow on; can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people; can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold; and can cause other serious health problems. To learn more about preventing and cleaning up mold in homes, see these mold guides and the EPA brief on What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas.