
Lighting can be an expensive part of homeownership. Between the cost of the light fixtures and the energy required to sustain them, it’s essential to have some tricks up your sleeve to keep the lighting costs of your home as low as possible. Plus, the more energy you save, the more eco-conscious you’ll be.
The most significant expense of home lighting stems from electricity. US energy prices are expected to rise by 50% in 2022 before balancing out again in the following years, making this indispensable resource even more precious to homeowners.
This unprecedented spike in energy costs is prompting all sorts of homeowners to seek innovative methods to save money.
Here are ten easy ways to use light wisely to reduce your monthly electricity bill.
1. Invest in LED or CFL lights
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can immediately slice your lighting costs by 70 to 90%.
LEDs save 90% of the electricity for other bulb types and can significantly impact your monthly energy costs. LEDs and CFLs come in various shapes and hues, making them perfect replacements for every light fixture in your house.
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LEDs also last up to 25 times longer than the average bulb. CFLs are a little cheaper than LEDs, but they can contain mercury, which is a toxic metal.
2. Utilize more daylight
If you don’t have the funds to invest in new bulbs, making the most of what you have is a good start. In our electricity-centered world, daylight is often disregarded as a light source. But it may surprise you how much more you can rely on it to keep your home glowing.
Instead of switching on all the house lights as soon as the sun starts setting, consider leaving them off and enjoying the natural light the sun provides. It might encourage you to spend more time outside and help regulate your sleeping pattern.
3. Place switches only at entry and exit points
Sometimes, people leave lights on at home because the light switches aren’t in an accessible place. If you rush to leave the house and the living room lights are across the hall, you’re less likely to turn them off on your way out.
Putting your light switches close to the entry and exit points means you’ll have fewer excuses to leave them on when you go out, encouraging good energy-saving habits.
4. Always turn off unused lights
It’s an obvious solution, but very much worth mentioning. People often forget how much energy they can save if they remember to turn off unused lights. But this practice, a regular habit, will ensure that as little electricity gets wasted as possible.
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5. Use soft wattage
Soft wattage refers to lights that emit a cozy, soft, warm glow instead of harsh white light. Not only is soft wattage much more aesthetically pleasing and soothing on the eyes, but it also uses up less energy than other bulbs, making them perfect for both big and small homes that want to reduce their electricity bill. Investing in a few bulbs (especially for bedrooms and leisure areas) is a decision you won’t regret.
6. Keep your light fixtures clean and well-maintained
The better you care for your lights, the longer they’ll last. If you wear out your lights, you’ll not only rake up a steep electricity bill but also have to replace them unnecessarily regularly.
Keeping your light fixtures clean, polished, and dust-free will extend their lifespan and allow them to produce brighter glows. Keeping bulb sockets clean is worthwhile to prevent long-term corrosion that negatively impacts light quality.
7. Invest in solar power
Going solar is no cheap affair, but the money you’ll save on electricity bills is well worth the investment. Implementing a solar power system at home will mean you save money not on light fixtures but on every electricity-powered appliance in your home.
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EnergySage reports that in 2022, a solar-powered home can save upwards of $1,500 per year while significantly reducing your family’s carbon footprint. For homeowners planning on staying put for the next few decades, solar power installation is a highly cost-effective and eco-conscious plan.
8. Buy dimmer switches
If you have the option to dim your lights rather than have them on full brightness, you can save a lot of energy. Many of the light fixtures available in today’s market feature a wide variety of dimming options, making the choice much easier than it would have been a few years ago.
Having more control over the level of brightness your household lights emit will give you more control over each month’s electricity bill.
9. Use motion sensor bulbs
Investing in motion sensor lights might be a good alternative if you struggle to be conscious of your light usage. They are affordable, accessible, and practical, making them excellent options for young or low-income families.
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Motion sensor lights switch off on their own accord when motion dies down in a room, allowing you to do your daily business without worrying about switching off after yourself. Only some have the luxury of time or physical energy to remember when to switch lights off, but motion sensor bulbs can take over that responsibility for you.
10. Teach family and friends to be energy-conscious
Ultimately, the best way to save money on lighting is to foster an energy-conscious culture in your home or look for the best power rates in Texas. Teach your partner, children, relatives, friends, and guests to practice restraint regarding light (and general electricity) usage.
Saving energy, going green, and sustainability are big buzzwords in business, and it’s time they entered your home, too. It might take some getting used to, but with enough practice, any household can reduce its energy consumption by using less light and engaging in energy-conscious behavior.
