Lighting Energy Saving Tips

	The Lights In Your Home Represent Up To 9 % Of  Your Energy Use And Up To 25% In Your Office.
	Replacing the lights in your home or office with energy efficient globes like Compact Flourescent Lamps (CFL) and turning off your lights when not in use can save you 80% off your lighting energy bill or as much as 7% of your total energy bill.

What Lighting Your Home Costs:

Replace - Energy Inefficient Lighting

You have probably already replaced your incandescent globes with CFLs. In fact by now it is almost impossible to buy incandescent globes as the government has banned the import of these globes since February 2009.

Halogens, however are still a major problem. Whilst they are slightly more efficient than incandescent globes the problem is homes often use up to 4 halogens for the same area they would have used for just 1incadescent globe. Whilst replacing Halogens with LED is an option and a huge saving over time the problem is the cost is quite high if you have to replace the transformer too and get in an electrician.  Fortunately they are now making alternatives that work with your existing halogen sockets and transformers and cost around $59 per globe.

Another alternative is to install a dimmer switch. This way you can adjust the lighting and energy use of your halogens down to what you need.
 

Reduce - Energy Costs on Lighting

	Sounds obvious but turn lights off. It is an almost urban myth leaving flourescent lights on saves - If you are out of the room for more than 15 minutes it saves to turn them off. Even more so for halogens
	Paint your house interior with lighter colours to reduce need for lights during the day
	Keep windows clean - dirty windows let in less light
	Open curtains and blinds before turning on lights - you may not need more light
	Install a skylight in rooms that need more light like bathrooms and kitchens
	Install dimmer switches to use only the light you need

Tags: Lights, Lighting, Energy Saving Tips, CFL, Compact Flourescent Lights, Halogens, LED Lights.