lighting bright new ideas

C M Y K

If we all replace one incandescent bulb with a compact

fluorescent, we’ll save enough electricity to power 1,800 homes.

Working together we can make a difference.

Contact us for information about:

• Heating/Air-conditioning. • Windows/Doors.• Insulating/Weatherizing. • Appliances.• Lighting. • Water heating.

Get more home energy information at:

• mge.com/home.• Home Energy Line 608-252-7117.• 800-245-1125.

Questions about billing? Call:

• 608-252-7222.• 800-245-1125.

printed on recycled paper

CN000019 10/24/2016

listening. learning.

MGE takes responsibility to provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders. We educate customers today to help inform their decision making. We educate tomorrow’s stakeholders so they can help plan our energy future.

taking responsibility

As an individual, your efficient use of energy brings benefits such as lower bills, improved comfort levels in your home and a reduced personal impact on the environment.

Acting together, our individual choices add up—for the benefit of our community, our environment and our energy future. That’s the power of working together.

As your community energy company, we are committed to sharing our experience and energy expertise. You can always contact us for:

• Answers to your energy questions.• Energy efficiency information and advice.• Help in evaluating energy-saving options.• Assistance in finding energy-efficient products.

Better ways to illuminate your world

This booklet offers a world of easy, innovative ways to save energy and money while lighting your home. Visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117 for more information on these and other energy-saving ideas.

Table of contentsLook for the ENERGY STAR® label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Look for lumens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Make sure the bulb will fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Make sure light goes where it’s needed . . . . . . . . . . 3Make sure the bulb is suitable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4What info can I find on the bulb packaging? . . . . . . . 4 Get your preferred color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Incentives in Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Specialty bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dimmer switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Recessed lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Three-way bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lighting controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Controls for lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Recycling/disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Glossary of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

112

Confused by the new lightbulb options? This guide can help you choose bulbs for your home.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® labelTo earn ENERGY STAR certification, lightbulbs have to meet standards for efficiency, color of light, reliability and length of warranty. You can find the ENERGY STAR label on both

compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

Look for lumensTo make sure the bulb is bright enough, check the label for how many lumens it puts out. Lumens = brightness, but watts = power used. Lumens per watt for lights is like miles per gallon for cars.

2

Source: ENERGY STAR

BRIGHTNESSFor brightness, look for lumens, not watts. Lumens indicate light output. Watts indicate energy consumed. ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs provide the same brightness (lumens) with less energy (watts). Use this chart to determine how many lumens you need to match the brightness of your old incandescent bulbs.

Old Incandescent Bulbs (Watts)

ENERGY STAR Bulb Brightness (Minimum Lumens)

40 45060 80075 1,100100 1,600150 2,600

CFL LED

ResourcesAdvice on lighting plus a product finder for ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs: www.energystar.gov/lighting

MGE’s lighting web page: mge.com/home/appliances/lighting

Incentives from Focus On Energy: https://focusonenergy.com/residential/efficient-products-appliances/lighting-and- appliances

Room-by-room guides plus advice on lighting techniques and equipment: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/patternbook/

Best practices, design and efficiency for residential lighting: http://www.ieslightlogic.org/

Preventing light pollution/protecting dark skies: www.darksky.org (also has links to other lighting information)

Lighting for older adults

Lighting the Way: A Key to Independence by Mariana Gross Figueiro: www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/lightHealth/AARP/

11

However, people are still in the habit of selecting bulbs by wattage. Lightbulbs still show “replacement” watts on their packaging so you can compare them to equivalent old-style incandescent bulbs. If you’ve been disappointed by bulbs being too dim, choose a bulb with more lumens. More lumens means a brighter bulb.

Make sure the bulb will fitBulbs come in different sizes and shapes. Recessed lights and lamps with shades are examples of places where you may need to choose bulbs carefully. Also, some bulbs are heavier than normal and might make some table lamps or floor lamps top-heavy and easier to tip over.

Make sure light goes where it’s neededFor lamps used for reading or similar tasks, make sure light is directed downward. Look for pear-shaped bulbs that shine in all directions. These bulbs are sometimes labeled “omnidirec-tional.”

Omnidirectional bulbs are not recommended for recessed can lights because light is wasted within the fixture.

3Source: National Resources Defense Council

Table lamp comparison

In table and floor lamps, you want the light to shine in all directions, so look for ENERGY STAR-labeled bulbs that are omnidirectional.

For downlights and recessed cans, install ENERGY STAR reflector LED bulbs. The light going upward from omnidirectional bulbs can be wasted inside the fixture.

Recessed can comparison

Glossary of termsBallast: A device needed to operate fluorescent and high- intensity discharge (HID) lights. Electronic ballasts are better than old-style magnetic ballasts for most purposes.

Bulb life: Number of hours the average bulb will operate.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): CFLs are small fluorescent tubes bent into compact shapes. Most CFLs come with an integral ballast, but two-piece designs have a separate ballast that lasts through four or five lamps (40,000 to 50,000 hours).

ENERGY STAR: U.S. gov ernment program that identifies ener-gy-saving products. Get more information at www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-star-yes (1-888-782-7937).

Lumen: Measures the total light output of a bulb. The higher the lumen output, the brighter the bulb.

Lumens per watt (LPW): Higher LPW bulbs are more efficient, much like a car that gets more miles per gallon.

Watt: The amount of power needed to operate a lightbulb. Watts equal power in, not light out.

T5, T8, T12, etc.: Fluorescent tubes of different diameters. The “T” stands for tubular; the number is tube diameter in 1/8-inch increments. A T5 has a diameter of 5/8 of an inch and fits in shallow spaces such as under a kitchen cabinet. T8s are generally more efficient than the standard T12 tubes.

10

Make sure the bulb is suitableRead the fine print on the package. Typical cautions or warnings may say the bulb is not suitable for:

• Dimmers.

• Totally enclosed fixtures.

• Photo controls (dusk-to-dawn controls).

• Motion detectors/occupancy sensors.

• Wet or outdoor locations.

• Electronic timers.

What info can I find on the bulb packaging?Look at the Lighting Facts label.

The label will tell you:

• Brightness of the bulb.

• Cost to run the bulb for a year (estimated).

• Life of the bulb (estimated).

• Color/appearance of the bulb (warmer yellow vs. cooler blue).

• Energy used (watts).

Plus, if the bulb contains mercury, the Lighting Facts label includes a link to cleanup and recycling/disposal information.

4

See the savings on new bulb labels

Brightness – The most important information on the label and the only way to know for sure how much light the bulb provides.

ENERGY STAR Logo – Indicates which CFLs and LEDs meet ENERGY STAR requirements for efficiency, lifetime and quality.

Life – Estimates in years how long the bulb will last. Long life bulbs save you the hassle of frequent bulb changes and help ensure that more efficient bulbs pay for themselves over time.

Light Appearance – Tells you the shade of light. Incandescents produce warm white light—between 2700 K and 3000 K. Bulbs that produce cooler or more bluish light will be between 4000 K to 6500 K. Most buyers will prefer the warm white color.

Energy Used (watts) – Measures bulb energy use, not brightness.

Contains Mercury – CFLs contain extremely low levels of mercury, less than 2.5 mg, and are completely safe to use in normal operation. (www.nrdc.org/legislation/files/lightbulbmercury.pdf) contains more information.

Source: National Resources Defense Council

How long is the guarantee on ENERGY STAR certified bulbs?

ENERGY STAR CFLs are guaranteed to last at least two years, while ENERGY STAR LEDs are guaranteed for three years. Save your receipt!

Recycling/disposalFluorescent bulbs are banned from Dane County landfills because they contain mercury. Stores that sell fluorescent bulbs in Dane County are required to collect and recycle them.

For more information and a list of Dane County bulb recycling locations, see www.countyofdane.com/pwht/recycle/lamps_bulbs.aspx.

To recycle bulbs outside of Dane County, see https://focusonenergy.com/learning-center/residential/ recycling/light-bulb-recycling.

9

Source: ENERGY STAR

LIFETIME SAVINGS (20 years)ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs last10-25 times longer

than standard incandescent bulbs

1 12-watt LED ENERGY STAR-certified lightbulbTotal cost: $60

2.5 13-watt ENERGY STAR-certified lightbulbsTotal cost: $45

25 60-watt incandescent lightbulbsTotal cost: $180

Get your preferred colorThe label will show how warm or cool the light from the bulb will appear as measured on the Kelvin scale (K).

Try bulbs with different color temperatures if you have a prefer-ence for warmer or cooler light. Beware of using both warm and cool lighting in the same room because you may not like the appearance.

Incentives in WisconsinLook for Focus on Energy labels on shelves in stores to get an in-store discount. (No rebates or coupons are needed, but incentives may change or be discontinued.)

5

COLOR /APPEARANCEENERGY STAR-certified bulbs are available in a wide range of colors. Light color or appearance matches a temperature on the Kelvin scale (K). Lower K means warmer, yellowish light, while higher K means cooler, bluer light.

2700K 3000K 3500K 4100K 5000K 6500KWarm Cool

Warm White,Soft White

Standard color ofincandescent bulbs.

Cool White,Natural White

Good for kitchens and work spaces.

Natural or Daylight(think blue sky at noon)

Good for reading.

Source: ENERGY STAR

Where can I find ENERGY STAR LED bulbs?LED bulbs that meet ENERGY STAR requirements are available in area stores.

Do LEDs have potential disadvantages?Here are potential LED disadvantages:

• LEDs can shift color over time, and the color quality varies among brands.

• Some LEDs flicker, although people vary in how much they notice flicker.

• LEDs lose brightness toward the end of their life, rather than burning out.

• LEDs generally have a higher purchase price.

• Directional LEDs can cause glare. (Glare can be a problem with other types of bulbs too.)

What are the advantages of LEDs?• Direct light—LEDs are ideal for under-cabinet and recessed

lighting.

• Durability—LEDs can perform well outdoors and in cold temperatures, but check the label to make sure the bulb is OK for use outdoors. LED holiday lights are noted for dura- bility compared to other types.

• Instant light—LEDs do not require warm-up time to reach full brightness.

• Rapid cycling—Turning LEDs on and off frequently doesn’t shorten their life, and they reach full brightness instantly.

• Long lasting—Quality LEDs come with an estimated life of 25,000 to 50,000 hours. In contrast, a typical incandescent bulb will last about 1,000 hours and CFLs about 10,000 hours.

8

Specialty bulbs

Dimmer switches

If the light is controlled by a dimmer switch look for an ENERGY STAR-certified bulb that is marked “dimmable” because not all are. The package or the manufacturer’s website should provide a list for dimmer compatibility.

Recessed lighting

Recessed lighting is a perfect place for ENERGY STAR-certified reflector bulbs. ENERGY STAR- certified reflector bulbs are designed and tested to operate efficiently in this hot environment while non-certified bulbs and other types like spirals

generally are not. ENERGY STAR-certified LED reflectors provide excellent light instantly in one direction and last about 22 years. CFL reflectors are also a good choice but have a less distinct beam of light and take a little while to reach full brightness.

Three-way bulbs

Does the fixture have a three-way switch to pro-vide three different light levels? If it does, you’ll need to look for an ENERGY STAR-certified bulb that is specially designed to provide three differ-ent light levels and marked “Three-way.” Note:

Less efficient traditional three-way bulbs are still sold.

Lighting controls

Is the fixture connected to any controls such as a timer, motion sensor or dusk-to-dawn photo sensor? Check your controls and the bulb pack-age to make sure they are compatible.

6

Controls for lighting• Motion sensors are popular for outdoor fixtures but are not

compatible with fluorescent or high-pressure sodium lights.

• Dusk-to-dawn photocells are a good idea if you want to leave a light on all night. If using a CFL, check for compatibility to avoid creating a fire hazard.

• Timers turn indoor lights on and off. They do not save much energy; they avoid leaving lights on unnecessarily. If putting a CFL on a timer, only use a mechanical timer, not a digital one.

• Occupancy sensors turn lights on when a room becomes occupied and turn lights off after the room has emptied.

Frequently asked questionsIf a socket is labeled “60 watts max,” can I use a CFL or LED bulb that’s brighter?Yes, the actual wattage of a bulb is all that matters, not the “equivalent” or “replacement” wattage on packaging for CFL and LED bulbs. Look for the actual watts used by a bulb. As long as it’s below the safety rating on the socket, it’s OK.

Is it better to leave fluorescent lights on due to the surge of power it takes to start them?No, this persistent belief isn’t supported by facts. The inrush current lasts for a fraction of a second, so off is better than on if you’re trying to save electricity.

What kind of bulbs can I put inside an enclosed fixture?Any type as long as the bulbs are labeled as OK for enclosed fixtures.

Are there bulbs that reach full brightness instantly?Yes, LEDs and halogen incandescent bulbs reach full bright-ness instantly. Most CFLs take a while to reach full brightness, so look for CFLs with phrases such as “instant on,” “full bright-ness instantly” or “bright from the start” on the package if this feature is important to you.

7

Source: ENERGY STAR

Specialty bulbs

Dimmer switches

If the light is controlled by a dimmer switch look for an ENERGY STAR-certified bulb that is marked “dimmable” because not all are. The package or the manufacturer’s website should provide a list for dimmer compatibility.

Recessed lighting

Recessed lighting is a perfect place for ENERGY STAR-certified reflector bulbs. ENERGY STAR- certified reflector bulbs are designed and tested to operate efficiently in this hot environment while non-certified bulbs and other types like spirals

generally are not. ENERGY STAR-certified LED reflectors provide excellent light instantly in one direction and last about 22 years. CFL reflectors are also a good choice but have a less distinct beam of light and take a little while to reach full brightness.

Three-way bulbs

Does the fixture have a three-way switch to pro-vide three different light levels? If it does, you’ll need to look for an ENERGY STAR-certified bulb that is specially designed to provide three differ-ent light levels and marked “Three-way.” Note:

Less efficient traditional three-way bulbs are still sold.

Lighting controls

Is the fixture connected to any controls such as a timer, motion sensor or dusk-to-dawn photo sensor? Check your controls and the bulb pack-age to make sure they are compatible.

6

Controls for lighting• Motion sensors are popular for outdoor fixtures but are not

compatible with fluorescent or high-pressure sodium lights.

• Dusk-to-dawn photocells are a good idea if you want to leave a light on all night. If using a CFL, check for compatibility to avoid creating a fire hazard.

• Timers turn indoor lights on and off. They do not save much energy; they avoid leaving lights on unnecessarily. If putting a CFL on a timer, only use a mechanical timer, not a digital one.

• Occupancy sensors turn lights on when a room becomes occupied and turn lights off after the room has emptied.

Frequently asked questionsIf a socket is labeled “60 watts max,” can I use a CFL or LED bulb that’s brighter?Yes, the actual wattage of a bulb is all that matters, not the “equivalent” or “replacement” wattage on packaging for CFL and LED bulbs. Look for the actual watts used by a bulb. As long as it’s below the safety rating on the socket, it’s OK.

Is it better to leave fluorescent lights on due to the surge of power it takes to start them?No, this persistent belief isn’t supported by facts. The inrush current lasts for a fraction of a second, so off is better than on if you’re trying to save electricity.

What kind of bulbs can I put inside an enclosed fixture?Any type as long as the bulbs are labeled as OK for enclosed fixtures.

Are there bulbs that reach full brightness instantly?Yes, LEDs and halogen incandescent bulbs reach full bright-ness instantly. Most CFLs take a while to reach full brightness, so look for CFLs with phrases such as “instant on,” “full bright-ness instantly” or “bright from the start” on the package if this feature is important to you.

7

Source: ENERGY STAR

Get your preferred colorThe label will show how warm or cool the light from the bulb will appear as measured on the Kelvin scale (K).

Try bulbs with different color temperatures if you have a prefer-ence for warmer or cooler light. Beware of using both warm and cool lighting in the same room because you may not like the appearance.

Incentives in WisconsinLook for Focus on Energy labels on shelves in stores to get an in-store discount. (No rebates or coupons are needed, but incentives may change or be discontinued.)

5

COLOR /APPEARANCEENERGY STAR-certified bulbs are available in a wide range of colors. Light color or appearance matches a temperature on the Kelvin scale (K). Lower K means warmer, yellowish light, while higher K means cooler, bluer light.

2700K 3000K 3500K 4100K 5000K 6500KWarm Cool

Warm White,Soft White

Standard color ofincandescent bulbs.

Cool White,Natural White

Good for kitchens and work spaces.

Natural or Daylight(think blue sky at noon)

Good for reading.

Source: ENERGY STAR

Where can I find ENERGY STAR LED bulbs?LED bulbs that meet ENERGY STAR requirements are available in area stores.

Do LEDs have potential disadvantages?Here are potential LED disadvantages:

• LEDs can shift color over time, and the color quality varies among brands.

• Some LEDs flicker, although people vary in how much they notice flicker.

• LEDs lose brightness toward the end of their life, rather than burning out.

• LEDs generally have a higher purchase price.

• Directional LEDs can cause glare. (Glare can be a problem with other types of bulbs too.)

What are the advantages of LEDs?• Direct light—LEDs are ideal for under-cabinet and recessed

lighting.

• Durability—LEDs can perform well outdoors and in cold temperatures, but check the label to make sure the bulb is OK for use outdoors. LED holiday lights are noted for dura- bility compared to other types.

• Instant light—LEDs do not require warm-up time to reach full brightness.

• Rapid cycling—Turning LEDs on and off frequently doesn’t shorten their life, and they reach full brightness instantly.

• Long lasting—Quality LEDs come with an estimated life of 25,000 to 50,000 hours. In contrast, a typical incandescent bulb will last about 1,000 hours and CFLs about 10,000 hours.

8

Make sure the bulb is suitableRead the fine print on the package. Typical cautions or warnings may say the bulb is not suitable for:

• Dimmers.

• Totally enclosed fixtures.

• Photo controls (dusk-to-dawn controls).

• Motion detectors/occupancy sensors.

• Wet or outdoor locations.

• Electronic timers.

What info can I find on the bulb packaging?Look at the Lighting Facts label.

The label will tell you:

• Brightness of the bulb.

• Cost to run the bulb for a year (estimated).

• Life of the bulb (estimated).

• Color/appearance of the bulb (warmer yellow vs. cooler blue).

• Energy used (watts).

Plus, if the bulb contains mercury, the Lighting Facts label includes a link to cleanup and recycling/disposal information.

4

See the savings on new bulb labels

Brightness – The most important information on the label and the only way to know for sure how much light the bulb provides.

ENERGY STAR Logo – Indicates which CFLs and LEDs meet ENERGY STAR requirements for efficiency, lifetime and quality.

Life – Estimates in years how long the bulb will last. Long life bulbs save you the hassle of frequent bulb changes and help ensure that more efficient bulbs pay for themselves over time.

Light Appearance – Tells you the shade of light. Incandescents produce warm white light—between 2700 K and 3000 K. Bulbs that produce cooler or more bluish light will be between 4000 K to 6500 K. Most buyers will prefer the warm white color.

Energy Used (watts) – Measures bulb energy use, not brightness.

Contains Mercury – CFLs contain extremely low levels of mercury, less than 2.5 mg, and are completely safe to use in normal operation. (www.nrdc.org/legislation/files/lightbulbmercury.pdf) contains more information.

Source: National Resources Defense Council

How long is the guarantee on ENERGY STAR certified bulbs?

ENERGY STAR CFLs are guaranteed to last at least two years, while ENERGY STAR LEDs are guaranteed for three years. Save your receipt!

Recycling/disposalFluorescent bulbs are banned from Dane County landfills because they contain mercury. Stores that sell fluorescent bulbs in Dane County are required to collect and recycle them.

For more information and a list of Dane County bulb recycling locations, see www.countyofdane.com/pwht/recycle/lamps_bulbs.aspx.

To recycle bulbs outside of Dane County, see https://focusonenergy.com/learning-center/residential/ recycling/light-bulb-recycling.

9

Source: ENERGY STAR

LIFETIME SAVINGS (20 years)ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs last10-25 times longer

than standard incandescent bulbs

1 12-watt LED ENERGY STAR-certified lightbulbTotal cost: $60

2.5 13-watt ENERGY STAR-certified lightbulbsTotal cost: $45

25 60-watt incandescent lightbulbsTotal cost: $180

However, people are still in the habit of selecting bulbs by wattage. Lightbulbs still show “replacement” watts on their packaging so you can compare them to equivalent old-style incandescent bulbs. If you’ve been disappointed by bulbs being too dim, choose a bulb with more lumens. More lumens means a brighter bulb.

Make sure the bulb will fitBulbs come in different sizes and shapes. Recessed lights and lamps with shades are examples of places where you may need to choose bulbs carefully. Also, some bulbs are heavier than normal and might make some table lamps or floor lamps top-heavy and easier to tip over.

Make sure light goes where it’s neededFor lamps used for reading or similar tasks, make sure light is directed downward. Look for pear-shaped bulbs that shine in all directions. These bulbs are sometimes labeled “omnidirec-tional.”

Omnidirectional bulbs are not recommended for recessed can lights because light is wasted within the fixture.

3Source: National Resources Defense Council

Table lamp comparison

In table and floor lamps, you want the light to shine in all directions, so look for ENERGY STAR-labeled bulbs that are omnidirectional.

For downlights and recessed cans, install ENERGY STAR reflector LED bulbs. The light going upward from omnidirectional bulbs can be wasted inside the fixture.

Recessed can comparison

Glossary of termsBallast: A device needed to operate fluorescent and high- intensity discharge (HID) lights. Electronic ballasts are better than old-style magnetic ballasts for most purposes.

Bulb life: Number of hours the average bulb will operate.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): CFLs are small fluorescent tubes bent into compact shapes. Most CFLs come with an integral ballast, but two-piece designs have a separate ballast that lasts through four or five lamps (40,000 to 50,000 hours).

ENERGY STAR: U.S. gov ernment program that identifies ener-gy-saving products. Get more information at www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-star-yes (1-888-782-7937).

Lumen: Measures the total light output of a bulb. The higher the lumen output, the brighter the bulb.

Lumens per watt (LPW): Higher LPW bulbs are more efficient, much like a car that gets more miles per gallon.

Watt: The amount of power needed to operate a lightbulb. Watts equal power in, not light out.

T5, T8, T12, etc.: Fluorescent tubes of different diameters. The “T” stands for tubular; the number is tube diameter in 1/8-inch increments. A T5 has a diameter of 5/8 of an inch and fits in shallow spaces such as under a kitchen cabinet. T8s are generally more efficient than the standard T12 tubes.

10

Confused by the new lightbulb options? This guide can help you choose bulbs for your home.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® labelTo earn ENERGY STAR certification, lightbulbs have to meet standards for efficiency, color of light, reliability and length of warranty. You can find the ENERGY STAR label on both

compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

Look for lumensTo make sure the bulb is bright enough, check the label for how many lumens it puts out. Lumens = brightness, but watts = power used. Lumens per watt for lights is like miles per gallon for cars.

2

Source: ENERGY STAR

BRIGHTNESSFor brightness, look for lumens, not watts. Lumens indicate light output. Watts indicate energy consumed. ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs provide the same brightness (lumens) with less energy (watts). Use this chart to determine how many lumens you need to match the brightness of your old incandescent bulbs.

Old Incandescent Bulbs (Watts)

ENERGY STAR Bulb Brightness (Minimum Lumens)

40 45060 80075 1,100100 1,600150 2,600

CFL LED

ResourcesAdvice on lighting plus a product finder for ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs: www.energystar.gov/lighting

MGE’s lighting web page: mge.com/home/appliances/lighting

Incentives from Focus On Energy: https://focusonenergy.com/residential/efficient-products-appliances/lighting-and- appliances

Room-by-room guides plus advice on lighting techniques and equipment: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/patternbook/

Best practices, design and efficiency for residential lighting: http://www.ieslightlogic.org/

Preventing light pollution/protecting dark skies: www.darksky.org (also has links to other lighting information)

Lighting for older adults

Lighting the Way: A Key to Independence by Mariana Gross Figueiro: www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/lightHealth/AARP/

11

Better ways to illuminate your world

This booklet offers a world of easy, innovative ways to save energy and money while lighting your home. Visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117 for more information on these and other energy-saving ideas.

Table of contentsLook for the ENERGY STAR® label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Look for lumens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Make sure the bulb will fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Make sure light goes where it’s needed . . . . . . . . . . 3Make sure the bulb is suitable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4What info can I find on the bulb packaging? . . . . . . . 4 Get your preferred color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Incentives in Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Specialty bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dimmer switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Recessed lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Three-way bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lighting controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Controls for lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Recycling/disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Glossary of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

112

CN000019 10/24/2016

listening. learning.

MGE takes responsibility to provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders. We educate customers today to help inform their decision making. We educate tomorrow’s stakeholders so they can help plan our energy future.

taking responsibility

As an individual, your efficient use of energy brings benefits such as lower bills, improved comfort levels in your home and a reduced personal impact on the environment.

Acting together, our individual choices add up—for the benefit of our community, our environment and our energy future. That’s the power of working together.

As your community energy company, we are committed to sharing our experience and energy expertise. You can always contact us for:

• Answers to your energy questions.• Energy efficiency information and advice.• Help in evaluating energy-saving options.• Assistance in finding energy-efficient products.

lighting bright new ideas

C M Y K

If we all replace one incandescent bulb with a compact

fluorescent, we’ll save enough electricity to power 1,800 homes.

Working together we can make a difference.

Contact us for information about:

• Heating/Air-conditioning. • Windows/Doors.• Insulating/Weatherizing. • Appliances.• Lighting. • Water heating.

Get more home energy information at:

• mge.com/home.• Home Energy Line 608-252-7117.• 800-245-1125.

Questions about billing? Call:

• 608-252-7222.• 800-245-1125.

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