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Lighting Tips

Buy ENERGY STAR®. If you are thinking about purchasing new lighting fixtures or bulbs, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. Bulbs and fixtures bearing the ENERGY STAR® label are the most energy efficient models on the market and will save energy, money, and help the environment.
Consider compact Flourescent bulbs for areas where bright lighting is not important, especially in outside fixtures. Compact flourescent bulbs use one-third less power, and last five times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Turn off lights. This energy saving measure has been around since Edison first turned a light on, and it's as effective as ever. Keep in mind that a typical light bulb kept on for 24 hours per day will cost you about $75.00 each year. Try motion sensors that turn lights off automatically when everyone leaves a room.
Invest in a timer. Timers that automatically turn lights on and off can reduce your energy use and at the same time increase safety by making a house seem occupied even when people are away.
Keep fixtures and bulbs clean. Dirt, along with being unsightly, can absorb as much as 50% of the light.
Don't skimp on bulbs. Consider the cost of lighting your home. Do you realize that the money you spend on light bulbs is probably only 5-10% of the total cost? The other 90-95% is the cost of electricity to run those bulbs. That's why you should look for more efficient rather than cheaper light bulbs, and why compact fluorescent lights are so appealing.
More bulbs are not better. Use one bulb instead of multiple bulbs whenever possible. A single 100-watt incandescent bulb produces the same amount of light as two 60-watt bulbs, and it uses 20% less energy.
Longer life bulbs can help. Do you have light bulbs that are difficult to get to and a real pain to change? Long-life incandescent bulbs last two to three times longer than a standard bulb and compact fluorescent lamps last up to ten times longer.
Depends on the room. Light colored walls and surfaces reflect light while dark colors absorb light. The same light fixture in two different rooms will provide different levels of light on a reading surface.
Shades matter. Translucent lamp shades provide more light to a room than solid colored shades.
Avoid elaborate lighting schemes. Instead of elaborate outside lighting, try accenting walkways and drives. This will save energy and provide safe light for people walking in hazardous winter conditions.
Always pull on the plug. When unplugging lights, always pull on the plug and not the cord. Over time pulling on the cord will damage it and create a hazard.
Replace halogens with fluorescents. That halogen torchiere was cheap and attractive; but did you know you could be spending 2-3 times the purchase price per year in electricity costs. The lamps also have been shown to be fire hazards. A compact fluorescent torchiere is safe, and can save over $30 per year in electricity costs.
Keep lights off during the day. Use daylight whenever possible, rather than turning on redundant overhead lighting.