In the average U.S. home, lighting accounts for 12 % to 15% of the electricity bill*. Lucky for homeowners, lighting technology is rising to call for better energy efficiency, making lighting a great place to start to reduce home electricity usage.
- Shop around. Now’s the time to shop the market for the best rates on electricity. Do your research and select the carrier that best meets your home electricity needs. Want to learn more? Visit http://www.puc.state.pa.us/utilitychoice/electricity/ecShoppingGuide.aspx to learn more about what options are available in PA. In DE visit http://depsc.delaware.gov/electric.shtml#choice for helpful information on electricity options available.
- Turn off the lights. Simple enough, right? Often overlooked, it really does pay to turn off the lights in any room that you don’t plan to occupy for more than 15 minutes.
- Ditch the incandescents. Replace incandescent bulbs with long-lasting CFLs to reduce energy consumption by 75%. Check the size and fit when you select them – some home fixtures may not accommodate some of the larger CFLs. Looking to save on CFLs? Click here.
- Relight your exterior. Because of their long-lasting and energy-saving nature, CFLs are ideal for exterior home lighting. Live in a cold climate? Buy a CFL lamp with a cold weather ballast to ensure optimal performance in weather 40 degrees or lower.
- Use LEDs for task lighting. The super-efficient light-emitting diode is ideal for task lighting, under cabinet lighting and recessed cans – and for reducing electricity consumption.
- Install dimmers. Dimmer switches enable you to reduce both the lighting and energy output of your home’s lamps or lighting fixtures. Remember, every little bit helps!
For more on reducing your electricity and energy consumption, visit www.energysavers.gov.
* According to the American Lighting Association.