Lower Your Electric Bill

According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), lights account for 25 percent of a homeowner’s electric bill.
In addition to simply turning off lights when not using them, the ALA offers the following suggestions:
• Dimmers allow you to reduce lighting when you don’t need it, which saves both energy and light bulbs. Occupancy sensors turn lights off after you leave the room or shut the closet door — even if you forget.
ALA says it’s easy to replace regular light switches with dimmers or occupancy sensor switches. They cost more than standard switches to buy, but there is no difference in cost of installation.
Fan dimmer switches are often overlooked, but will save energy. ALA says that if you reduce your voltage 10 percent on a dimmer, you will double the bulb life and save energy and money.
The three nemesis of bulbs — voltage fluctuation, vibration and heat build-up — create wear and tear on light bulbs. But you can protect against all three with a dimmer control.
To dim fluorescents, use a special dimming ballast, as well as a dimmer that is compatible with fluorescents.
• Motion detectors offer another bright idea for snipping the electric bill. They are great for outside lighting, giving your home security, but the light shuts off when not needed.
• Use layered lighting for a “less is more approach.” Start with the spots where lights are most important — where tasks are performed, like reading.
Don’t accent everything in the living room, just the important stuff. This allows a thinning of lights without the house looking dark and will save energy.”
• Ceiling fans are a great way to conserve electricity year-round. They are economical and energy efficient, utilizing about the same energy as a 100 watt light bulb.
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature of a room like an air conditioner. But by spinning the air, they create a wind chill effect that makes you feel up to eight degrees cooler.
Running a ceiling fan costs about one cent per hour, or pennies/day, vs. the several dollars/day to run an air conditioner. Fans can be used alone or in conjunction with an air conditioner.
Simply raising a thermostat setting two degrees will save about 14 percent on energy consumption. Studies show that setting ceiling fans to spin in a counter-clockwise pattern will save as much as 40 percent off summer cooling bills.
Simply set the thermostat a few degrees higher and flip on the fan.
• Get expert advice. The lighting specialists at your local ALA showroom can help you compare light sources, choose bulbs and cut your energy costs. While there, be sure to ask for a demonstration on how lighting controls can help create a scheme with multiple uses and effects.
Visit Bright Light Design Center and Annapolis Lighting, 1143 S. Route 9, Cape May Courthouse. Call (609) 465-4478.