How to Reduce Electricity Costs With Energy Efficient Lighting

Why Energy Efficient Lighting Matters

The lighting in our homes accounts for around 15% of our electricity usage. By switching to more energy efficient lighting options, we can significantly reduce our monthly electricity bills while also helping the environment. Here's why making the switch makes sense:

Easy Ways to Upgrade to Efficient Lighting

Upgrading your home's lighting doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Here are some simple tips to efficiently move to more energy efficient bulbs:

1. Replace Your Most-Used Bulbs First

Focus first on the lights you use most like kitchen ceiling lights and living room lamps. This will provide the quickest payback on your investment.

2. Choose LEDs as Replacements

When old bulbs burn out, replace them with LED bulbs. LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent while lasting 25X longer. They've also come down significantly in price.

3. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts

Retailers often discount LEDs, so take advantage of sales throughout the year. Utility companies also sometimes provide rebates on energy efficient bulbs and lighting fixtures to reduce costs further.

4. Use 'Warm White' Bulbs for General Lighting

Choose bulbs labeled "warm white" (2700K - 3000K) for general living areas. This light color provides a similar feel to incandescent bulbs. Use "bright white" or "daylight" bulbs for task lighting.

5. Maximize Natural Light

Open blinds and curtains during the day to take advantage of natural sunlight. Turn off lights near windows to save additional electricity.

6. Use Dimmers and Timers

Use dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to ensure lights are only on at the needed brightness. Automatically turn off lights in unused rooms.

7. Replace Exterior Lights

Outdoor lighting is used at night when electricity rates are highest. Swap exterior bulbs for efficient LED floodlights.

The Best Energy Efficient Bulbs for Each Room

The type of energy efficient bulb you choose should be based on how the room is used. Here are lighting upgrade tips for key areas of your home:

Kitchen

Living Room and Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Exterior

Making the Switch Saves Money and the Planet

Upgrading your home lighting provides immediate reductions in electricity use and savings on utility bills. And with higher efficiency bulbs lasting years longer than older options like incandescents, the savings continue into the future. More efficient lighting also reduces the environmental impact of lighting our homes. So making the switch to energy efficient lighting should be one of the easiest steps we can take to go green, save money, and lower our carbon footprint.