Because we tend to take our home lighting for granted, it can be easy to lose track of how much it actually costs. Even in the sunny Warner Robins and Eastman areas, lighting can really run up energy bills. To keep lighting costs low, make sure you’re using energy-efficient light bulbs.
- Halogen incandescent lights – The brightness of halogen incandescent bulbs makes them ideal when you need light for reading or detail-oriented tasks. On the down side, the glare they create means they usually need a shade. Because they burn hotter than traditional incandescent bulbs, not all shades are appropriate. While they do meet federal minimum standards for energy efficiency, there are better choices if saving energy is your main goal.
- Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) – While CFLs are small, spiral versions of the common tube-shaped fluorescent lights, the modern versions flicker less than the older ones and are available in warmer colors. CFLs use around one-third the energy of halogen incandescents and last longer, too. With an average amount of use, these light bulbs pay for themselves in energy savings within nine months. Because turning a CFL on and off frequently shortens its life span, these lights are best used in rooms where the lights stay on for long periods, such as the living room or kitchen. As a rule, you’ll want to leave them on if you plan to be out of the room for less than 15 minutes.
- Light emitting diodes (LEDs) – These lights use around 25 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer than CFLs, making them one of the best home lighting choices. As an added benefit, LEDs don’t contain a filament, so they won’t be ruined if they’re shaken or bumped too hard. This makes them a good choice for holiday lights.
Whether you want to improve your home lighting or increase your home’s total energy efficiency, the home comfort experts at Pruett Air Conditioning in Warner Robins and Eastman can help.
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