With all the changes in lighting, it is great to see a comprehensive reference guide published for consumers.  The following article is a mere synopsis. If you have a thirst to be “enlightened” we would recommend reading the entire book. 

7 questions for Brian Clark Howard, TDG editor and the author of the new book Green Lighting.

The Daily Green is thrilled to announce the publication of TDG editor Brian Clark Howard‘s latest book, Green Lighting, a slim (218 pages) but comprehensive reader-friendly guide to energy efficient lighting (McGraw Hill, $24.95). Whether you can’t remember the difference between a CFL and an LED, or you’re a professional designer considering the merits of solar tube lighting, this book has the information you’re looking for. (CFL is a compact fluorescent bulb, by the way – those usually corkscrew-shaped bulbs; an LED is a light emitting diode, like those on alarm clocks and flashlights.)

The Daily Green sat down with Howard for a Q&A about some of the interesting facts he learned from writing this book.

What are the most surprising things you learned about lighting while researching and writing this book?

Some experts told me dimmers are arguably more important than changing bulbs. A modern dimmer that uses electric circuitry is more efficient and will cut energy use by a minimum of 5%, if it isn’t used at all, and much more when it is used.

And definitely give halogens more of a second look. They’re roughly 30% more efficient than incandescents (CFLs are about 75% more efficient and LEDs 90% more efficient) but they are a really good stopgap, and they last several times longer. Most designers say that if you want dimming, you should go with halogens today. LEDs are dimmable but there are few on the market, so they’re relatively expensive now, although prices are falling fast.

See more surprising facts about lighting you don’t know but should.

Read the full article from The Daily Green by By Dan Shapley here…