Energy Star products must meet the strict energy conservation guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). These fixtures come with 10,000-hour (7 year) fluorescent bulbs or motion sensor/photocell controls. They use 50-70% less energy and distribute light more evenly than conventional fixtures. This lowers the cost of lighting in your home and conserves electricity to help protect the environment from air pollution associated with power generation.

If just one room in every home in the U.S. had Energy Star approved lighting, it would reduce one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases in the air. Since lighting represents 25% of your home electrical use, this savings is significant over time. California and other states have implemented lighting regulations for kitchens (50% fluorescent energy-saving fixtures on independent switch), outdoor (unless controlled by photocell or motion sensor), full bathrooms, garages and utility rooms (must have energy efficient fixtures).

Significant improvements in fluorescent bulbs now allow you to choose your own preferred "color" from warm (2500K-3500K) to cool (4000K) to "daylight" (5000K and higher). Experiment with the effects of these different bulbs on your different interiors to find your favorite for each room.

©Shades of Light 2005

Article Source: http://www.energyefficienthomearticles.com

Ashton Harrison has a bachelor of science degree from UVA and a masters in business administration from the University of Richmond. She was the V.P. of Operations for This End Up Furniture before opening the first Shades of Light retail store in 1986. She started Shades of Light national catalog operation in 1995 and launched the Shades of Light web site in 1997. For more info please visit the Shades of Light web site and sign up for a free catalog. EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashton_Har

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