ECM: Lighting

Information by State  Print version   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.

L3. Replace Standard Fluorescent Lamps with Energy-Saving Lamps in Common Areas, and Install Electronic Ballasts in Common Areas

Description

Developments that have relatively old fluorescent lighting in common areas can realize modest energy savings by simply replacing the existing fluorescent lamps (tubes) with energy saving lamps which use 10 to 20 percent less electricity. Energy-savings lamps are T12 size (1.5 inches in diameter) and are designed to replace older lamps of the same size. Additionally, a very common and effective lighting improvement is to replace old fluorescent lamps and ballasts with new T8 (1 inch in diameter) lamps and electronic ballasts. A “ballast” is a device that all fluorescent lights require in order to turn on and give off light. The ballast controls the light output as well as the energy use. By replacing magnetic ballasts and existing fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts and new fluorescent lamps, significant savings can be achieved.

Applicability

• Multifamily buildings with older, inefficient fluorescent lighting
• Common areas that are overlit

Considerations

• This ECM is applicable only where existing lamps are T12 size (1.5 inches in diameter).
• Because energy saving lamps generally have slightly lower light output than the lamps they replace, they should not be used where lower light levels would be undesirable.
• Energy-saving lamps are not as efficient as more advanced lighting systems, such as T8 lamps with electronic ballasts.
• An experienced lighting professional should be consulted before doing extensive lighting retrofits.
• Electronic ballasts are incompatible with some types of occupancy lighting controls.
• PHAs should choose a ballast with a warranty of at least three years.
• If a dimming system is desired, electronic ballasts with dimming capabilities should be selected.

Performance/Economics

• Replacing older fluorescent lamps (tubes) with energy saving lamps can cut energy costs 10 to 20 percent.
• Advanced lighting systems with electronic ballast can generate annual savings of 35 to 42 percent.
• Lamps operate 10-percent more efficiently with electronic ballasts.
• Replacing existing magnetic ballasts and older fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts and new T8 fluorescent lamps can save approximately 35 to 42 percent.
• The payback period for replacing existing magnetic ballasts and older fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts is about three to five years.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-121 through 7-124 address replacing standard fluorescent lamps with energy-saving lamps, and pages 7-125 through 7-128 address installing electronic ballasts in common areas.

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 energy-efficient lighting upgrades.

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.

The Basics of Efficient Lighting. Provides useful information on the lighting design process.

ENERGY STAR Program: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. Addresses the energy-saving potential of CFLs, and provides a link to specific ENERGY STAR qualified products. 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.

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