ENERGY SAVING TIPS

Electric lighting burns up to 25% of the average home energy budget. The electricity used over the lifetime of single incandescent bulb costs 5 to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting.
CFL’s are simply miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents.  They screw into standard lamp sockets and give off light that looks just like the common incandescent bulbs – not like the fluorescent lighting we associate with factories and schools.

LED’s are small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy-efficient.  New LED bulbs are grouped in clusters with diffuser lenses which have broadened the applications for LED use in the home.   LED lights are long-lasting, durable, cool, mercury-free, more efficient and cost-effective.

Use natural light whenever possible
Use natural light whenever possible.  Make the most of natural light by moving desk, reading chairs and workbenches closer to windows.  Keep in mind that lighter colors for walls, ceilings and floors reflect more sunlight.

Light bulb usage
Use brighter bulbs in areas where you do close-up work such as reading, cooking and home projects.  Use less bright bulbs in other areas.

Program your thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to preset the system to reduce output when it’s not needed, like when no one is home during the day or when everyone is sleeping at night.

Choose Energy Star appliances
Energy Star products meet a high level of energy efficiency, which can translate into savings on electric bills.  When it’s time to replace that old refrigerator, microwave, clothes washer, or other appliance, remember that even if Energy Star appliances costs more, you could reduce your energy bill by $50 a year for each appliance.   Also, check with your electric utility company, some offer incentives for replacing old appliances with more efficient ones.