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Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

Energy Efficient Lighting

March 24, 2014

Did you know that about 10% your home’s energy costs are related to your lights?  According to http://energy.gov  swapping out 15 incandescent bulbs could save approximately $50 each year.  This is an easy way to save money

Swapping out your less efficient incandescent bulbs is an easy change that can make a difference.  Consider making changes to both your indoor and outdoor bulbs. In addition to saving energy these bulbs last longer than the older style incandescent bulbs which you may currently be using. For recessed lighting changes be sure to look for bulbs for that specific use to reduce overheating and shortening the life of the bulb.

Indoor options include halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (known as CFL), and light-emitting diodes (known as LED).

Halogen incandescent bulbs are sometimes known as energy-saving incandescent bulbs and last 3 times longer than incandescent. They can be used in a socket that has a dimmer switch. 

CFL’s come in several different bulb shapes and last 10 times longer than incandescent.  The higher the number the whiter and bluer the light will be.  If broken handle with care as there is a bit of mercury in them.  They should be recycled.

LED bulbs with an ENERGY STAR-qualified rating and last 25 times longer than incandescent.

Outdoor options include: 

CFL and LED lights work well both inside and outside of the home and come in flood lights which have been weather tested.  Another way to save lighting costs is to use timers to allow you to program when the lighting comes on and goes off.  Motion Sensors are another option to consider.  They are convenient inside the home as well as outside the home.

Written by: Pat Holmes, Ohio State University ExtensionFamily & Consumer Sciences Educator