Saving energy is vital for many reasons: it helps the planet, saves you money, and sometimes it just feels good to do something good for the world. If you’re looking for an easy way to save energy in your home, start with your lighting. There are a ton of excellent energy-efficient light bulbs on the market these days, and they’re not expensive either. Here’s everything you need to know about switching to energy-efficient lighting!
1.Look for the Energy Star label
When you see the Energy Star label on a product, you can be confident that you are buying an energy-efficient product that will save you money and help protect the environment. The EPA has strict criteria that products must meet to earn the Energy Star label, so you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality, energy-efficient product. So whether you’re looking for a new light bulb or a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label to make sure you’re getting the best product for your needs.
2.Compare watts and lumens
When comparing models of light bulbs, you’ll probably see two numbers listed: lumens and watts. Lumens are a measure of light intensity, measured in a standardized test called ANSI/NEMA FL1. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter your bulb will be; for example, a 100-watt incandescent bulb produces about 880 lumens, while an 18-watt CFL gives off 1,100 lumens.
Watts are another measure of power consumption—the amount of electricity needed by a device to perform its function. Again, this can vary depending on how efficiently any given appliance converts electricity into usable energy (which is why some appliances use more than others).
However, watts aren’t as crucial as lumen output for bulbs because you’ll want at least 700 lumens per watt—the higher, the better! If you want to save on your electricity bill, look for bulbs with high-lumen outputs and low wattage requirements.
3.Think about dimming controls
Dimmers are an easy way to reduce energy use and save money on your electricity bill. Dimmers work by lowering the amount of power flowing to a light bulb, reducing the bulb’s brightness. By using dimmers, you can achieve the same light level while using less energy. Dimmers can help you save up to 90% on your energy use. That’s money that you can pocket or use to lower your monthly bills. And since dimmers last for years, they’ll keep on saving you money in the long run. So if you’re looking for an easy way to go green and save some cash, install dimmers throughout your home today.
4.Consider your lighting needs
Before you start shopping for energy-efficient light bulbs, take a moment to consider your specific lighting needs. Different rooms in your home will have different lighting requirements. For example, you’ll probably want brighter light in your kitchen than in your bedroom. And if you have a home office, you might need different light for task-oriented work than for general ambient light. By taking a few minutes to think about your needs, you can make sure you’re choosing the right light bulbs for each room in your home.
Ready to start saving energy and money?
There are a lot of excellent energy-efficient light bulbs on the market these days, so there’s no excuse not to make the switch. These bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you’ll save money in the long run. And since they produce less heat, they’re also safer to use. If you need to one installed, call your trusted electrician today!