Go Green With Your Home’s Lighting To Save on Your Utility Bill

This month we’ll learn some ways you can green up your home’s lighting by using less electricity without sacrificing safety or to ultimately save money on your electric bill.

Replace Inefficient Incandescent Bulbs With Longer Lasting Compact fluorescent Lights (CFL)

Compact fluorescent lights give off the same amount of light as incandescent lights, but at a lower wattage. A lower wattage means less electricity is being used. Many utility companies are still providing rebates for the purchase of CFLs or they may provide them to you free of charge in their office. Check with your utility company to see if they offer a program.

LED lights are also becoming widely available and are even lower wattage than CFL, but they are currently comparatively expensive.

Install a Dimmer Switch

Dimmer switches are a simple and inexpensive way to save on your utility bill. By turning the brightness down when you can, you’re wattage use will be decreased.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

As an added bonus in the winter you can help warm that room with the sunlight. If you have poorer quality or older windows, you might want to keep them covered with an insulated panel if you think it let in cold air, which would increase your heating costs and offset the electrical savings.

Use a Motion Sensor For Outside Lighting

Motion sensors ensure that exterior lights are on only when they are needed and are not left on for extended periods of time. They are also an effective way to deter crime and imrpove the safety around stairs and entryways. Be sure to aim the motion detector away from tree branches, and other objects that may trigger the lights by acident.