Reduce Your Lighting Costs
This money-saving tip is provided by the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB)
Eleven percent of your household energy bill goes to lighting, according to the Department of Energy. One of the quickest ways to save is to switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Save Money With Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) can save you $40 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime. The bulbs use less energy than incandescent bulbs, produce the same light output, and last up to 10 times longer.
CFLs provide the greatest savings when they're used in fixtures that are turned on for more than 15 minutes at a time. They provide the least benefit if they're used in closets, for example.
The federal government's Energy Star guidelines suggest using CFLs in open fixtures that allow airflow. Good examples of uses are in table and floor lamps, hanging lamps, wall sconces, and outdoor fixtures.
CFLs do have a few limitations:
- They don't perform well at cold temperatures.
- If they're used in a fixture that vibrates, such as a ceiling fan, that may shorten their life.
- You'll need to buy specially-marked bulbs if you plan to use them outdoors, in closed fixtures, or with dimmer switches.
- Planning to try this tip? Join the national Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World CFL Challenge.
More ways to Save on Lighting
Here are some more ways you can reduce the energy you use on lighting:
- Turn off lights when you leave the room.
- Keep all lamps and fixtures clean.
- Use task lighting (light for the specific task being done) instead of lighting the entire room.
- Choose light colors for walls and ceilings. Light colors reflect light and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
- Use floor lamps and hanging lamps near corners. The walls will reflect the light. Let the sun shine in! Open drapes and blinds on sunny, cool days. This reduces the need for extra lighting and warms the room in the winter.
- Use one bulb to replace several. A 100W bulb is more efficient than two 50W bulbs. Plus you save on the cost of replacement bulbs.
- Try 50W reflector bulbs in directional lamps (pole or spot lamps). These provide the same amount of light as a standard 100W bulb.
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