Cut Your Electricity Bill Up To 11.25% With a Few Simple Changes

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as much as 15% of the average American household's electricity is used in lighting the home. The government also estimates use of efficient light bulbs combined with timing devices and lighting controls could reduce this expenditure by 50% to 75%, meaning you could cut your electricity bill by up to 11.25% by making a few simple changes.

What are energy efficient light bulbs?

Compact Fluorescent Lamps, or CFL light bulbs, are the most common type of energy-efficient light bulbs on the market. They use on average around a quarter of the energy of a standard incandescent light bulb, and produce 70% less heat, making them safer in operation. The Web site www.energy.gov estimates replacing a single 60-watt incandescent light fitting with a 13-watt florescent light bulb will save consumers at least $30 over the life of the bulb. As well as saving money, using light bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR ® label also reduces carbon emissions, and, since the bulbs last on average 10 times longer than standard ones, saves time replacing blown bulbs.

What should you look for when buying efficient light bulbs?

The first thing to look for when selecting fluorescent light bulbs is the ENERGY STAR ® label. To earn this rating, the manufacturer must demonstrate that increased costs will be recouped by the consumer in energy savings.

Next, ensure that the energy efficient bulb fitting is consistent with the light fitment where you intend to use it. Many older energy efficient-bulbs are incompatible with dimmer switches, but there are newer designs that can be used with them, so shop around.

Also consider the aesthetics of the replacement bulbs, and the color and quality of the light they produce. Often you may not need to substitute a brighter bulb, but one with a more natural “daylight” effect for task lighting.

How to Save the Most Money with Efficient Lighting

With incandescent light bulbs being phased out, it's time to consider how you can extract the maximum saving out of your florescent light bulbs. This is best done by determining when the lights should be switched off.

We all know a light switched off used less energy than one left on, but with florescent bulbs, this is only half the equation. Many people believe florescent lights should not be repeatedly switched on and off because of the power drain required to “fire up” the light. In truth, the energy excess energy would power the bulb for only around five seconds. This is not the real reason to leave florescent lights on in room unoccupied for only short periods of time.

The real reason is that every time the light is switched off and back on again, the life of the bulb is shortened. Since this effect is more dramatic in florescent bulbs than incandescent ones, and CFLs are more expensive, excessive switching on and off of the lights will erode savings because you will need to buy more replacement bulbs.

In practice, guidelines suggest turning lights off if a room is expected to be unoccupied for more than 15 minutes. Perhaps the most effective method is to invest in motion sensors, timers or occupancy sensors, which respond to actual occupation of a room rather than expected usage.

Other ways to maximize your savings include simple maintenance. Cleaning light bulbs when they are switched off, cleaning room surfaces that reflect light and windows will all help to prevent decreases in light levels over time.