Let the sun shine in: Why use the lights when you can use the sun? Open blinds and curtains during the day to take advantage of natural light (it is free.)
Use task lighting: Overhead lights flood a room or area with light, sometimes more than is needed. By using only the light you need to complete your tasks, such as a desk or reading lamp or under-counter lighting, you’ll create ambiance and save energy.
Use only what you need: Do you ever go into a room and turn on all the lights? Or leave landscaping lighting on all night? Inside and outside, use only as much light as you need.
Turn it off: When leaving a room, turn off the light if you aren’t coming right back.
Keep them clean: Dirty or dusty light bulbs don’t put out as much light as clean bulbs.
Switch to Energy Star LED’s: LED’s are now available as long lasting, super-efficient lighting options for all kinds of bulbs. Make sure you buy Energy Star ones to know you are getting bulbs that will last!
Install Lighting Controls: Everyone knows that you can save energy by turning off lights when they’re not needed but sometimes we forget. Lighting controls can be used to automatically turn lights on and off as needed, preventing energy waste.
- Motion sensors make sense: These sensors turn lights on and off when someone enters or leaves the room. The garage, basement, and other seldom used rooms are the perfect place for one. They’re also good for exterior lighting. Your lights will only come on when motion is detected. These are also excellent for security lighting, turning the security lights on when motion is detected and automatically turning them off again. Motion sensors can reduce the electricity lights consume by up to 80%.
- Dim the lights: Consider purchasing dimmer switches. They can increase bulb life while reducing electric consumption and operating cost.
- Try photocells: Photocells automatically turn on our lights when it gets dark. Then, when it’s bright enough, the photocell turns the lights off. They’re great for outdoor or security lighting because you don’t have to remember to turn them off in the morning. The sunlight will do it for you.
Decorate in light colors: If you plan to redecorate, think about lighter colors. Dark colors absorb light, so you’ll need more lights to brighten the room.
Let the light through: Lamp shades make a big difference. A lamp with a light colored shade, especially one that’s lined in white, will give the best light. Tall, narrow shades or short, dark-colored shades let less light through.
Consider low voltage outdoor lighting: If you’re planning to light up your landscaping, install low voltage lighting whenever possible.
Choose solar for landscape lighting: Solar-powered lights are a great option for decorative lighting along pathways and in landscaped areas. The best part is the sun provides the power to light them up at night.
Replace older Christmas lights with new LED ones: Save energy, reduce fire risk, and help your tree last longer. At the same time install a timer to control the times the lights are on.
Plan for that vacation: If you’re going away, you’ll probably want to leave some lights on for security reasons. If so, consider buying timers to turn your lights on and off instead of leaving them on 24 hours a day.
Choose Energy Star light fixtures: When you’re adding or replacing light fixtures, choose styles with the ENERGY STAR rating. They use at least 75% less energy than standard fixtures and come in a wide variety of styles and colors.
