AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 1, 2008
/Home Automation, Inc. (HAI) & Home Energy Alliance (HLCA)/ --
A press release from the HLCA (of which we are a member) is
generally consistent with our party line on upcoming
efficiency standards. We recommend our non-dimming and relay
switches for non-dimmable fluorescents and compact
fluorescents used in garage, laundry room, bath, basement,
hall, etc. We recommend compliant halogen and our dimmers for
areas where elegance and refinement is required – dining, den,
living, bedroom, some in the kitchen, etc. We work with
dimming compact fluorescents, but they should all be the same
brand and type to get consistent dimming.
Also, you should know, all home automation systems consume
energy, and HAI’s is among the lowest in the industry. Our
switches draw about one-eighth of a watt. We measured a
competitor’s RF switch at over 1 watt. Our controller: 4 watts
(Pro II) theirs, 25.
New Energy Law Creates Challenges for Homeowners with Dimmers
and Lighting Control Systems
Consumers need to choose replacement light bulbs carefully for
compatibility with existing dimmers and control systems
Warrenton, VA – January 28, 2008 – With the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 becoming law late last
December, the United States has joined Canada, Europe and
Australia in developing new lighting efficiency standards
targeting today’s inefficient version of the incandescent
light bulb. As popular 40-100W general-service bulbs begin to
be eliminated in 2012, consumers will be challenged to find
replacements that provide good lighting, energy savings and
desired performance with dimmers and control systems,
according to the Home Lighting Control Alliance (HLCA), an
industry association formed to educate the public about
advanced lighting controls in the home.
The law’s performance standards appear to favor compact
fluorescent bulbs, often faulted for their cold, unflattering
color, slow starting nature and mercury content. Most of
today’s compact fluorescents cannot be dimmed, and even the
special versions that are dimmable tend to exhibit flicker and
produce a “cooler” color appearance while dimming.
Under the new law, however, consumers will retain choice over
their lighting, with several options to retain incandescent
lighting. Philips, for instance, currently offers an
incandescent/halogen bulb, the Philips Halogená Energy Saver,
that meets the standards. Available in 40W and 70W versions
designed to replace 60W and 90+W incandescents respectively,
these bulbs provide about 30% energy savings and a service
life of 3,000 hours. Meanwhile, bulb manufacturers such as
General Electric are working towards new high-efficiency
incandescent bulbs that will comply with the new standards.
And dimmable LED lights remain a possibility: The energy law,
in fact, created a $10 million prize for an LED light bulb
that can replace today’s 60W incandescents.
By carefully choosing light bulb replacements, consumers can
continue enjoying the benefits of controls, from single
wall-box dimmers up to whole house lighting control systems,
without negative issues—not only as an amenity providing
convenience, lifestyle enhancement and the warm lighting feel
that consumers expect at home, but also as a means of
achieving energy savings. They will also be able to continue
using vacancy sensors to save energy in bathrooms, bedrooms,
walk-in closets and other spaces. According to the California
Energy Commission, dimming can save an average 10% of lighting
energy consumption in the home, while vacancy sensors can save
an average 20%.
“Consumers with dimmers and dimming systems should look to
today’s energy law-compliant incandescent/halogen bulbs and
potential future high-efficiency incandescent bulbs for
replacement as the new 2007 Energy Act’s requirements begin to
go into effect starting in 2012,” says Gary Meshberg of
Lightolier Controls and chairman of the HLCA. “Those who wish
to purchase compact fluorescent bulbs should be aware they
will need special dimmable versions if they want the bulbs to
work with dimmers and dimming systems, and even this may not
ensure the performance or look and feel they expect.”
Fact Facts about the New Energy Law and Home Lighting Control
- Energy Independence and Security Act will virtually
eliminate today’s general-service incandescent bulbs in
2012-2014
- Consumers can adopt compact fluorescent bulbs, exempted
incandescent bulbs, recently introduced energy-saving
incandescent/halogen bulbs, or new bulbs currently still in
development by major lighting companies
- Consumers choosing compact fluorescent but wanting the
convenience and lifestyle of dimming must use special dimmable
compact fluorescent bulbs labeled as compatible with dimmers
- Consumers unsatisfied with compact fluorescent dimming can
use energy-saving incandescent/halogen bulbs with their
dimming controls to gain the dimming performance they expect
while still saving energy
- Dimming saves an average 10% lighting energy costs; 10%
dimming doubles incandescent and halogen bulb life
About the Home Lighting Control Alliance (HLCA)
The Home Lighting Control Alliance is a self-funded,
member-driven consortium of leading lighting control
manufacturers, systems integrators and industry support
organizations. Its sole purpose is to promote the awareness,
value and benefits of lighting control in residential
applications.
Current partners in the Home Lighting Control Alliance
include: AHA Design, CEA, CentraLite Systems, Control4,
Crestron, Echelon, EH Publishing, ETC, FulTech Solutions, HAI,
Integrated Concepts, iLuxe innovation, Karen Proctor Electric,
Leviton, Lightolier Controls, LiteTouch, Low Voltage Systems,
Pass & Seymour, RL Johnson Construction, Savant Systems, S&S
Electric, Somfy Systems, Square D, SST, Vantage Controls, Watt
Stopper and Worthington Distribution.
Further information about lighting control and the Home
Lighting Control Alliance can be readily obtained at
www.homelightingcontrol.org
Source:
Home Automation Inc. (HAI)
CONTACT:
Charles DeGiovanni, South Central Sales Manager, HAI- Home
Automation Inc, T: 512-632-5553, E:
www.charlied@homeauto.com
Website:
www.homeauto.com
|
