Lighting

Lighting accounts for about eighteen percent of energy used in the home. The best way to save energy is to turn off all lights when not in use. Choose the right size and type of light bulb for the lighting job. 

One 150-watt bulb is more efficient than two 75-watt bulbs. Use the right wattage bulb for the fixture. When decorating, use light colors on walls, floors and ceilings. They reflect more light into the room. Clean all lighting fixtures frequently to maintain their efficiency.

Replace Incandescent Bulbs with Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulbs

The conventional screw-in incandescent light bulb not only is extremely inefficient, it also has a very short life and must be replaced frequently. When you figure the true cost, the ordinary light bulb is no bargain.

LED bulbs make it possible to replace an incandescent with a more efficient and long-lasting product. For example, where you have been using a 60-watt incandescent, you can screw in a 9.5-watt LED that will last fifteen times as long and will deliver about the same amount of light for one-quarter the energy cost.

LEDs Are Worth the Payout

Although LEDs are considerably more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they will more than pay for themselves with savings in electricity and lamp replacement cost. Payback is quickest when they are installed in fixtures that are used for many hours each day, year round.