How Many CFL Lumens Equal HOW MANY WATTS

energy consumption. (Make sure your fluorescent light bulbs will work with these controls.)

Typical CFLOutput 450 800 1,100 1,600 2,600 (Minimum Lumens)

IncandescentBulb 40 60 75 100 150

(Watts)

Dimmers allow you to only use the amount of light you need. Most lights use less energy at lower brightness levels.

Automatic Timers ensure that your inside lights stay off at night and that your outside light stays off during the day. Timers are also great for use with holiday lights; there are even remote controlled timers, perfect for outdoor lighting.

Photosensors are another option for outdoor lights. They measure light levels and turn lights on when it gets dark, perfect for walkway or security lights.

Motion Detectors or occupancy sensors are perfect devices for rooms where lights are frequently left on. These switches turn on lights when they detect movement and turn them off when the movement stops.

Motion detectors are also helpful on driveways and walkways and for use with security lights.

Outdoors, save energy with low-voltage lights. A low-voltage system reduces the standard 110-volt current to 12 volts. Besides using less power, such systems reduce fire risk and are less disruptive to wildlife, by introducing less light pollution.

Solar lighting, including solar lighting stepping stones, is another option for outdoor walkways, steps and patios.

ASHLEY SIMPSON SHIRES IS A BOULDER, COLORADO-BASED FREELANCE WRITER WHO SPECIALIZES IN ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS.

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