Did you know that the average household dedicates about 5% of its annual energy budget to lighting? That might not seem like that much, but in the scheme of things it really adds up. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average household consumes about 909 kilowatthours (kWh) a month. The average costs of a kWh is about 10 cents, which puts the average bill around $100 a month. Why not pocket some of that cash every month? Switching the lighting in your home to energy-efficient bulbs will change your energy bills immediately, and you’ll continue to see those savings pile up for years to come with little maintenance. Here’s how to get started making the switch today.
Pick the Right Bulbs
The most popular energy-efficient light bulbs available are halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although both the latter options can initially cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs, during their lifetime they save you money, because they use less energy. Plus, the initial higher cost is pretty minimal.
CFLs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescents and last up to 10 times longer. A typical CFL can pay for itself in energy savings in less than 9 months and continue to save you money each month. Don’t worry about sacrificing your favorite bulb options by switching either. CFLs come in the same brightness, color, and shape options as traditional incandescents.
LED bulbs are great replacement options as they last 25 times as long as your typical bulb, and use even less energy than CFLs. LED bulbs also come in a variety of colors, and some are dimmable. In addition to standard screw-in bulbs, LEDs are also offered in applications such as recessed downlights, desk lamps, kitchen under-cabinet lighting, and outdoor area lights.
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Install Timers & Motion Sensors
Once you’ve picked out your bulb of choice, install a few extra features to save even more. Timers and motion sensors save you even more money by reducing the amount of time lights are on when they’re not being used. You can use these features for both inside and outside lights.
For help installing more energy saving features in your home, call the Kansas City electrical pros at Fusion Electric. You can reach us at 913-563-7975.
