Leaving Lights On? 5 Tips to Conserve Energy Instead
Most homeowners are confused about when to turn lights off to save money. Part of the confusion is a result of conflicting information from uninformed sources. Some people insist that it costs more to turn lights on and off. Others believe it depends on how long it will be before they need the light again.
The best source of information is a professional electrician who can explain why leaving lights on can cost a big chunk of your hard-earned money. Is it really necessary to turn a light on and off each time you enter and leave the room?
We have some tips to help you know when to turn off lights and conserve energy. If you follow these suggestions, you may see a decrease in your Littleton, CO, monthly electric bill.
Costs of Leaving Lights On
To better understand the importance of turning lights off, compare the costs of using different types of bulbs. For example, according to the Department of Energy:
- 60W incandescents cost about $6.60 for 1,000 hours of use
- 43W halogens cost about $4.73 for 1,000 hours of use
- 15W CFLs cost about $1.65 for 1,000 hours of use
- 12W LEDs cost about $1.32 for 1,000 hours of use
The older incandescent bulbs are the most expensive to operate. If you’re still using these bulbs and have a habit of leaving them on when not needed, you could be wasting money.
Keep in mind, these numbers represent only one bulb. If you’re leaving lights on in several rooms of your Littleton, CO, home all at one time, the costs increase significantly.
Ways to Maximize Savings on Your Electric Bill
Knowing when to turn off your lights can help you save more than a few dollars over time. According to professional electricians, the savings differ depending on the type of fixtures and bulbs you use.
Here are five more tips for saving money on your electric bill:
5. Know When to Turn the Lights Off
The amount you save on your power bill depends on which type of bulbs you use the most. Here are a few guidelines:
- Incandescent and halogen bulbs – turn them off when not needed
- CFL bulbs – turn them off if you won’t be in the room for 15 minutes or more
- LED bulbs – always turn them off when leaving the room
Incandescent and halogen bulbs are the least efficient, so they cost more to operate. CFL bulbs wear out faster if they are switched on and off a lot. LED bulbs have a long operating life and aren’t affected by being turned on and off repeatedly.
4. Use Lighting Controls
Lighting controls such as motion detectors, dimmers, or timers can help you save money. Motion sensor bulbs automatically recognize when someone enters or leaves the room and will turn the lights on and off accordingly. Dimmers and timers help reduce wattage and power output to save energy.
3. Check for Faulty Light Switches
Light switches are durable and require little maintenance, but when one is malfunctioning, it can cause increases in power consumption. One of the most common problems caused by faulty light switches is flickering lights. This flickering can be a sign of loose wiring behind the switch cover and is a common cause of electrical problems.
Faulty light switches are not just annoying; they can also be dangerous. They can cause electric shocks and may cause fires in your home, so it’s best to have a licensed electrician check the switch.
If the problem persists, it can cost money and may result in damage to your Littleton, CO, home. Contact a professional electrician at MZ Electric if you have switches that aren’t working right.
2. Check the Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers that keep tripping are a sign that you need to contact a professional. The problem may be more than a burned-out fuse. If so, this can be a dangerous situation. Malfunctioning circuit breakers can result in electrical fires and cause significant damage to your home.
1. Leaving Lights On Can Lead to Other Bad Habits
Many homeowners are in the habit of leaving lights on until bedtime. These same individuals may also habitually leave their computer running 24/7 and leave the television on when no one is watching it. All of these habits can contribute to higher electric bills.
MZ Electric Is the Right Choice for Your Electrical Service Needs
Another way to save money on your electric bill is to have your system inspected and maintained by a professional electrician. Regular preventative maintenance can detect small problems before they become major issues.
To prevent interruptions in your electrical service and avoid expensive repairs, we offer a routine maintenance plan that can be customized around your schedule.
Having efficient, trouble-free electricity in your Littleton, CO, home is as easy as calling MZ Electric. Our professional electricians are available day or night to provide solutions for any electrical problem. Contact us at the first sign of trouble to ensure that your electrical system is working at peak performance.
