Making the switch to energy efficient lighting.
Conserve energy at home with just a flip of a switch. From energy saving tips to special light bulbs and lamps, check out our go-to tips designed to make your home more energy efficient.
Spotlight on savings
Lighting comprises about 11% of your home’s energy bill. When you switch to ENERGY STAR certified Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) or Light-Emitting Diodes (LED), you’ll use about 75% less energy and will save more than $40 over the lifetime of the bulb. Plus, ENERGY STAR bulbs still offer options when it comes to brightness, color shade and dimmable options, just like traditional incandescent bulbs.
Energy efficient light bulbs also produce less heat, making them safer in the long run, and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs—perfect for those hard-to-reach fixtures in your home.
Get the most out of ENERGY STAR lighting with these helpful tips:
- Turn your lights off when not using them to easily conserve energy.
- Use low-wattage bulbs where you don’t need bright lighting.
- Place floor lamps and hanging lamps in corners. The reflection off the walls actually makes the room lighter.
- Turn off outdoor lighting during the day. Timer switches or photoelectric controls can help automate outdoor lighting.
Safety first: What to do about a broken CFL bulb.
If a CFL bulb breaks, you’ll need to take extra care in cleaning it up. The Environmental Protection Agency offers some guidelines on how to safely clean up and discard the broken pieces.
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