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:

• Energy efficient bulbs like LEDs use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs while producing the same amount of light. This translates into direct savings on your electricity bill.

• LED bulbs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescents, meaning you won't have to replace them as often. This reduces replacement costs over time.

• More efficient lighting reduces the amount of electricity that needs to be generated at power plants. This decreases carbon emissions associated with electricity generation.

• Advanced lighting options like smart bulbs provide more control and customization over your lighting. This allows you to further reduce waste.

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

• Use LED retrofits for existing recessed can lights. Retrofits easily install into existing fixtures.
• Install LED under cabinet lighting to provide task lighting for countertop work.
• Use LED bulbs in pendant lights over sinks and islands. Opt for a bright white light temperature.

Living Room and Bedrooms

• Use soft white (2700K) LED bulbs in table lamps and floor lamps.
• Install dimmable LEDs in overhead fixtures and control brightness as needed.

Bathrooms

• Swap vanity lights for LED wall sconces to provide brighter light for tasks.
• Use motion detecting night lights that turn on when needed and off when not in use.

Exterior

• Install LED floodlights by doors, garages, walkways, and driveways. Use motion sensors or timers.
• Use solar pathway lighting along landscaping that switches on automatically at night.

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.