Are you Lighting Right? (4/1/07)

If looking for ways to trim your electricity usage, look at your lighting. It’s a relatively easy area to make changes. And lighting changes work for renters as well as homeowners.

Here are some numbers to put it in perspective: On average, 11% of a household energy budget is spent on lighting. And according to the U.S. Department of Energy, by using new lighting technologies and controls, you can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50 – 75%.

Consider these lighting changes to save energy:

• CFLs really save. Compact fluorescent lights are the biggest key to reducing lighting energy use. According to manufacturers’ estimates, they use up to 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.



• Automate controls. Ideally, we should all be in the habit of flipping off the light switch whenever leaving a room. One way to guarantee the lights go off is by installing occupancy sensors in your home. These are the controls some offices have that automatically turn lights off in unoccupied rooms. Sensors are as easy to install as a new light switch. Timers and photocells are also options to consider.



• Focus on the task at hand. Task lighting focuses the light where you need it. For example, if you’re studying, a desk lamp is more efficient than lighting the whole room.