Lighting can account for a considerable percentage of your energy bill. The Department of Energy estimates that the average American household spends 5-10% of its budget solely on lighting. That’s quite a significant amount. Do you want to visit lighting stores less and reduce your lighting costs without ruining your home’s atmosphere? Here are some valuable tips that can help you save on lighting:
Turn Off Lights
The first tip sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the easiest ways you can cut down on your lighting costs. If you aren’t using the lights in a room, make sure you turn them off. Additionally, ensure everyone in your home does the same.
Install Dimmers
Dimmers can reduce the energy bulbs consume. When you buy bulbs at lighting stores, ensure they work with a dimmer.
Don’t Over-light Rooms
Over-lighting a room can contribute to high utility costs. What’s more, it can create discomfort for the people occupying the space. When picking interior lighting for a room, think about the purpose of the room and the mood you would like to create. While some rooms, such as the kitchen, may require plenty of indoor lighting, others, like the bedroom, may require less.
Install Switches Near Entry and Exit Points
No matter how many times you remind them, some people will still constantly forget to turn off the lights. You can help them by placing switches near entry and exit points. Placing switches in these locations will help them remember to switch off the lights when leaving the room.
Keep Lights and Light Fixtures Spotless
Over time, bulbs and lamps gather dust. Dust can reduce bulb efficiency and obstruct the passage of light. To get the most out of your lights, clean them regularly to enhance their efficiency.
Avoid Numerous Fittings
While installing multiple low-wattage bulbs instead of one incandescent bulb may sound like a good idea, ditch it. Often, the more lights you have, the more energy you’ll consume.
Install Timers and Sensors
Timers can ensure your lights operate on a schedule and only stay on when you need them. Motion detectors, on the other hand, are handy for outdoor lighting. They can ensure your outdoor lights only go on when motion is detected.
Use Natural Lighting
On dreary days, you may want to turn on the lights but don’t. Open your blinds and clean your windows to let natural light into your home. Like turning off the lights when they aren’t in use, it’s a simple way to save on your energy costs.
Switch to LED Lights
If you are still using traditional incandescent bulbs, consider switching to LED bulbs. LED bulbs can significantly reduce your energy costs since they use up to 75% less energy. What’s more, you won’t have to visit lighting stores often to replace blown-out bulbs since they last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Sure, their initial cost is high, but they are cheaper in the long term. However, when buying them at lighting stores, look out for LED bulbs with the Energy Star label.
Get Energy Efficient Lighting
Lighting doesn’t have to account for a large percentage of your energy costs. If you have noticed a spike in your energy costs and suspect lighting may be the culprit, try out the tips above. And if you are considering investing in energy-efficient lighting for your home, visit Premier Lighting for all your home lighting needs.
