About 15% of the electricity used in the average American household is used for lighting, which isn’t the biggest expense by far but is definitely one that can easily be lowered. In today’s blog we’ll look at a number of great Tips that you can use to not only lower your electric bill also save energy at the same time. Enjoy.
First of course are the new Energy Star light bulbs that use approximately 75% less electricity than those old fluorescent twisty lightbulbs that have been around for decades. In fact, some of the newer models look exactly like the old, traditional incandescent models, except for the fact that they last 10 times longer. You can now clip a lampshade onto them, which is helpful for the millions of lamps people are using all across the United States that are set up this way.
Now, to be sure, these new bulbs do cost a bit more than their older, incandescent counterparts. Since they last so much longer however, and use so much less electricity, you’ll actually save money in the long run even though the initial cost is a bit higher.
Once you’ve changed out your bulbs, the next thing you need to do is not leave them on when you aren’t using them or in the room. The fact is, millions of people all over the country leave lights on during the day when they’re not even home, or all night long, in rooms that are even being used. That’s not just wasteful but also increases your electric bill every single month.
For example, leaving the lights on your garage, in the basement or at the front door is a complete waste. You would do well to install motion sensors in those areas so that, when you walk in, the light turns on but, after few minutes, they turn off automatically. These are great for the front door as well for when someone comes to visit, so that they won’t be standing there in the dark. (It’s also a great way to scare off burglars.)
Inside the house you can also use timers if you want to leave lights on for safety, but don’t want to leave them on all day long as well.
There are also a number of solar power options available today that will collect solar energy during the day and then, at night, light up bulbs along your driveway or a path through your yard. These are great for patios as well and, even though the initial cost is there, they don’t draw energy off of your home’s electric and will pay for themselves in a couple of years.
And there you have it, a number of great tips that will help you to save electricity, save energy and lower your electric bill. Put them to good use and you can save upwards of $2-$300 a year.
