Bright ideas to save on lighting costs!
The most energy-efficient way to illuminate your home is to take the greatest advantage of that free lighting source, the sun. If you have any control over your home’s interior layout, its indoor living and recreational areas should face the south side of the home which provides longer lasting natural light for those areas during the winter months. Here are some other illuminating ideas to save energy costs while lighting your home!
Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) consume 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs and last up to ten times longer. By replacing an incandescent bulb with one CFL, you’ll increase your energy efficiency 400% over the life of the new bulb! If you’ve resisted CFLs in the past because of their appearance, look again. Newer models feature warm, inviting light and they run silently. They’re also available in several bulb shapes, from traditional to candelabra to floodlights. There are both 3-way and dimmer alternatives. CFLs are ideal for table lamps, track lighting, recessed fixtures, ceiling fixtures and porch lights. If you use CFLs outdoors, remember to cover or shade them from the elements.
You may think of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the tiny lights that last forever on your electronic components or your Christmas tree. However, there are several varieties that are ideal for “task lighting” applications such as reading, desk lamps, nightlights, security, spotlighting, even signs. For areas like closets that are infrequently and briefly illuminated, stay with incandescent or LED bulbs. LED bulbs last ten times longer than CFLs and 133 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. If your light uses batteries, they’ll last 10-15 times longer than with incandescent bulbs – plus, you’ll rarely replace the LEDs. The LED’s price may be expensive at first, but in the long run, you’ll be saving lots of money and energy!
Another energy saving tip involves installing dimmers to convert a harsh, brightly lit room into a comforting soft-lit room. Track lighting can also enhance both interior and exterior beauty while reducing energy consumption and costs. Occupancy sensors can automatically turn lights on and off when you enter and exit a room. Photocells can also turn the lights on and off by sensing natural light levels so your outdoor lights will automatically turn on and dusk and off at daybreak. Of course, we often forget the best way to cut lighting costs is to turn the lights off when you leave the room! For more ideas that will both improve your lighting, please call your Allgood Plumbing and Electric Electrician today!