Go fluorescent. A 25-watt fluorescent light will generate as much light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb for one-fourth of the energy. Fluorescent lights cost more to buy, but far less to operate. They last longer, too.- Turn out the lights. Don’t waste energy by leaving lights on when you’re not using them. Consider installing timers or sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on.
- Use task lighting. Focus the light where you need it for reading, studying, sewing and other tasks, rather than just brightly lighting the entire room.
- Avoid long-life incandescent bulbs. They are the least efficient of all incandescent light bulbs.
- Buy fixtures with fewer bulbs. A 100-watt bulb glows with nearly 50 percent more light than four 25-watt bulbs.
- Look for the Energy Star. Light bulbs and light fixtures are eligible for the Energy Star rating. Energy Star lighting uses two-thirds less energy and lasts six to 10 times longer than traditional lighting.
Tip: Replace 25% of the incandescent lighting in high-use areas with fluorescent lighting, and you’ll save about 50% on the lighting portion of your electricity bill.
Fact: Fluorescent lighting is four times more efficient than incandescent lighting.