Save Energy & Money

Lutron has been promoting the energy-saving benefits of lighting controls since the early 1960's when its owner, Joel Spira, developed the first commercially successful solid-state, variable wallbox dimmer switch that was widely accepted in residential and commercial markets.

Incandescent, halogen, CFLs,and LED bulbs use less energy when dimmed. For example, a halogen light source dimmed 35% reduces energy use by 28%. On average, dimming an incandescent or halogen light will reduce energy use by about 20%.

Dimmers operated over longer periods of time, at light levels dimmed greater than 20%, save more electricity and money, and shorten the payback period.

All Lutron dimmers extend bulb life. Dimmers reduce power to the lighting source or bulb, so they save energy and extend bulb life. Incandescent and halogen bulbs last up to 20 times longer when used with a dimmer, further extending the money saved.

Lutron estimates that its lighting control products and solutions helped electrical customers save $1 billion in energy costs in 2008, reducing the US lighting bill by 3%.

It would save an additional $816 million in electricity per year. It would also cumulatively reduce CO2 emissions by 4.3 billion pounds, comparable to taking 370,000 cars off the road.

A residential dimmer saves $7.36 each year in energy costs and pays for itself in about two years (average residential dimmer costs $16) if dimmed only 20%. If a light is dimmed 50%, the owner will experience a $30 annual savings. A Lutron commercial dimmer saves $85 per year and pays for itself in about 14 months (average commercial dimmer cost is $100 - more than the residential purchase because the commercial dimmer controls larger power loads).

It costs $0.35 to save a watt of electricity with a dimmer. It costs $1.40 - $7.75 to build a watt of electrical generating capacity.

While there are many ways to reduce energy use, most involve sacrificing something; few actually enrich the quality of living and working environments. Dimmers and other lighting controls allow individuals to adjust light levels for specific entertainment options, enhance ambiance, set a mood, and take advantage of daylight to reduce energy use. Lutron dimmers are one of the very few energy-saving products that both save energy and enrich your life.

Because of their energy-saving benefits and contributions toward minimizing environmental impact, Lutron lighting controls and shading controls can contribute significantly to attaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification for new construction. Credits that Lutron solutions help attain include those for sustainable sites, energy and atmosphere, material and resources, indoor environmental quality,and innovative design.

Productivity

Lutron lighting controls and shades provide a comfortable and productive visual environment using energy-saving products that can pay for themselves. Whether you are a homeowner seeking to enhance the appearance or atmosphere of your home, or a facilities manager looking to augment employee productivity and comfort while reducing energy-related costs, Lutron offers the best lighting control solutions.

Research confirms that when people are able to control light levels based on their preferences, they highly value it and are more productive. Productivity can be increased 5-10% by giving building occupants control over their visual environment.

The option to exercise personal choice in the workplace – like controlling lighting – gives employees a sense of empowerment and satisfaction, and provides a level of visual comfort in the work environment.

Based on available data and research, it’s estimated that productivity increases off-set costs for a light control system in 7 months or less. A productivity increase of only 1% can easily pay for the light control system in 7 months or less.

Light Sources

Dimmers work on sources ranging from incandescent (including halogen) and fluorescent, to compact fluorescent (CFLs) and LEDs.

Because Lutron products are available to dim all light sources, you can choose the lamp type that best meets your needs and matches your personal preferences.

CFLs can be used for appropriate applications in conjunction with other light sources to reduce energy use, especially when used with dimmers and other light control products. Lutron also believes that the best lighting solution is one that matches the right source (incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, CFLs, LEDs) with the right use (task lighting, aesthetic, ambient, security, area illumination).

To maximize energy savings, all lighting sources should be matched to the application for which they are best suited, and integrated with light control devices like dimmers, occupancy sensors, timers, vacancy sensors, and shading systems.

However, they provide less pleasing light, start up slowly, may flicker, and must be disposed at a qualified collection site. Most dim poorly, although Lutron offers dimmers for the Philips Energy Saver dimmable CFL.

When used with a dimmer or in combination with lighting controls, all light sources can address energy efficiency, comfort, productivity, and overall satisfaction.