How to Save on Your Monthly Electric Bill By Installing a More Efficient Lighting System

Reducing your monthly electricity bill can feel like an overwhelming task. However, making some simple upgrades to your home's lighting system can lead to significant savings over time. As your trusted advisor, I will walk you through the key steps I took to cut my electricity costs by installing more energy-efficient lighting in my home.

Conduct an Audit of Your Existing Lighting

The first step is to take stock of all the light bulbs currently in use. Walk through each room and note the types of bulbs, their wattage, the fixtures they are in, and how long they are typically on each day. Pay attention to any lights that stay on for extended periods, as these offer the greatest opportunity for savings.

For reference, here is a breakdown of common bulb types and their relative efficiency:

• Incandescent bulbs are the least efficient, using 60-90% of energy as heat rather than light.
• CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) use 70% less energy than incandescents.
• LEDs (light emitting diodes) use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescents.

After completing your audit, you'll know which bulbs to prioritize replacing first. Focus on the highest wattage incandescents that are used most frequently.

Choose the Right Bulbs for Each Fixture

Not all energy-efficient bulbs work well in every socket. When shopping for replacements, consider the following factors:

• Light color - Choose warm or cool light depending on your preference.
• Brightness - Match the lumens of the old bulb to maintain brightness. Higher lumens = brighter light.
• Dimmable - Ensure dimmable bulbs are used with dimmer switches or fixtures.
• Size and shape - Choose the right bulb shape for the fixture, such as A19 or BR30.
• Enclosed fixture - Opt for bulbs marked "safe for enclosed fixtures."

Consulting with a lighting specialist at your local hardware store can help ensure you get the right bulbs.

Replace Your Most Used Bulbs First

When upgrading bulbs, focus first on the fixtures used most. This is where you'll see the quickest payoff on your investment. Here are some of the best places to start:

• Kitchen - Replace overhead lights, under cabinet lighting, and pendant lights over islands or sinks.
• Bathrooms - Upgrade vanity and ceiling lights.
• Living Areas - Switch out table lamps, floor lamps, ceiling fixtures.
• Outdoors - Replace porch, garage, and security lights.

I chose to upgrade all the recessed ceiling cans in my kitchen and living room first, then moved on to table lamps and exterior lighting. The simple act of replacing 10-15 bulbs I use daily yielded huge electricity savings.

Take Advantage of Utility Company Rebates

Many utility providers offer instant rebates when you buy energy-efficient LED bulbs. My electric company provides a $2 rebate per bulb, which adds up quickly. I saved over $100 on my initial purchase.

Check with your utility company to see what rebate programs are available. Submitting a simple rebate form with my bulb receipts gave me cash back fast. Utility incentives made the switch to LEDs even more affordable.

Be Patient - Lower Bills Take Time

I'm happy to report my electricity usage dropped 15% in the first month after upgrading my most-used lights. However, it took a full billing cycle to see the effects. The initial investment was recouped quickly thanks to the instant rebates.

Be diligent about replacing all high-wattage incandescent bulbs over time. The replacement process doesn't have to happen overnight. Stick with it and before long you'll notice the savings stacking up.

With some strategic planning and wise bulb choices, I was able to significantly reduce my home's electricity demand. The brighter, better light quality also improved my living environment. Following these tips can help you save as well. Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to help.