At the end of a long day, nothing is better than coming home to a well-lit house. But lighting your home can also add up to some very high electricity bills.
Do you want to light your home without breaking the bank? Then read on! In this article, I’ll be showing you some of my top tips for home lighting and how you can save energy (and money!).
From simple changes that require no extra cost like changing your lightbulbs and adjusting your curtains, to more involved projects like swapping out those halogen lights or joining the smart lighting revolution, I’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to know.
Switch to LED lighting
LED lighting is one of the easiest home energy-saving tips. These energy-efficient light bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer.
When it comes to making the switch, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much money you save on your electric bill! Plus, LED lights give off a softer light that’s perfect for creating comfortable atmospheres throughout your home.
Switching to LED lighting also means lower operating costs since they don’t generate as much heat or need as frequent replacements as standard bulbs. That means fewer trips up ladders or other dangerous tasks around changing lights in hard-to-reach places!
Finally, LED lights are better for the environment since they consume less energy, meaning less waste and fewer greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Making the switch to LEDs is one of the best decisions you can make for sustainable living!
Install dimmer switches
Installing dimmer switches in your home can save you money on your electricity bills. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the lighting intensity according to personal needs, so you don’t need to keep it at its brightest setting all day long.
Using dimmer switches also gives you more flexibility with lighting options and gives your home a warm atmosphere. This is incredibly helpful during holidays and special occasions when extra light is needed!
With just a few simple adjustments, you’ll be able to extend the life of your light bulbs while saving a tremendous amount of energy in the process. Plus, dimmer switches are relatively inexpensive and easy to install yourself – no electrician necessary.
By taking advantage of these energy-saving tips, you’ll be able to enjoy pleasant rooms that are well-lit without spending too much money on electricity bills!
Use natural light when possible
Using natural light when possible is a great way to save energy in your home. Apart from saving money on lighting costs, it also benefits both the environment and your health.
Natural light has many advantages such as stimulating Vitamin D production, providing extra brightness and helping to improve moods. Whenever possible, open up all blinds, curtains and windows to allow natural light into your home.
Positioning furniture away from the walls can help even more, as it creates an illuminated space that feels spacious and inviting.
It’s worth investing in quality window coverings which will keep unwanted heat out during summer months, while allowing plenty of sunlight during the cooler months. Sunlight can generate a huge amount of free energy for your home throughout the year!
Install smart light bulbs for remote control
Smart light bulbs make it possible for you to control your home’s lighting from anywhere in the world. Simply connect the bulbs to your home Wi-Fi network and control them with a smartphone app or voice assistant.
Using smart light bulbs not only gives you remote control, they are also energy-efficient. Smart bulbs allow you to set up automatic dimmers and timers, so you can turn lights off when they’re not needed.
This type of automated lighting means no more forgetting to switch off the lights! Plus, you’ll be able to create a schedule that adjusts your lights to save extra energy based on sunrise/sunset times.
Having full control over your lighting brings added convenience as well as potential energy savings. Moreover, certain types of smart lights even produce vibrant colors that can bring any room in your house alive!
Install a programmable thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat can help reduce your energy costs while keeping your home comfortable. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature in your home depending on the time of day and when people are away.
This way, you won’t waste money heating or cooling an empty house. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about coming home to an uncomfortable surprise!
For instance, pre-program the thermostat three hours before everyone usually wakes up and comes down for breakfast. This will help make sure that everyone expects a warm or cool house when they wake up in the morning with no surprises!
Moreover, you can use the same approach for leaving for work and returning at night; simply set times for those as well. This way your house is always at the perfect temperature!
Insulate windows and doors to reduce energy loss
If you’re looking for ways to save energy and money, insulating the windows and doors in your home is a great start. Opening and closing these small pockets of air can severely decrease your home’s efficiency.
Windows and doors are two of the most common sources of heat gain and loss in your home. By installing insulation around them, you can reduce airflow through these openings and increase the efficiency of heating or cooling your home.
Insulation materials come in a variety of forms, from foam-filled panels to plastic wraps or weather-stripping on the frames. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional installer, make sure to choose an energy-efficient product that will give you long-term savings.
To maximize the effectiveness of insulation, consider using additional measures such as window coverings or blinds that help regulate the temperature inside your home even further.
Use energy-efficient appliances
Switching to energy-efficient appliances is a great way to reduce your home’s overall energy consumption. Everyone knows the impact that traditional appliances can have on our environment and wallet, but don’t despair just yet!
Nowadays, you can buy energy-efficient appliances that will help you conserve energy while keeping your bills low. And they look just as good too!
When selecting any device, look for those with the ENERGY STAR label on them. This label confirms that the appliance meets or exceeds high efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE).
Choosing energy-efficient appliances is also a sure fire way to save in both energy and money over time. Making upgrades now can really add up in savings – not to mention their environmental benefits!
Seal air leaks around windows and doors
Sealing air leaks around windows and doors is one of the most important energy saving tips for home lighting. Not only will it decrease the amount of heat that escapes your home, but it also keeps hot air out in the summer.
This simple (and often overlooked) tip can save you a ton of money on your energy bills! Investing in some new caulk and weather stripping is an inexpensive way to make sure doors and windows are well-insulated.
Plus, a few cans of spray foam insulation work wonders in blocking out drafts and conserving home energy use. You’ll also be rewarded with brighter, healthier light throughout your house since there won’t be any vents or openings letting natural light escape.
With just a few hours of time, you can easily seal up your windows and doors for improved lighting and decreased energy costs!
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets
Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets is a great way to save energy in your home. It’s also a fairly simple upgrade that doesn’t require any major renovations.
Low-flow fixtures use less water and less energy, allowing you to save money on your monthly energy bills. In fact, some low-flow showerheads only use around 2 gallons of water per minute, which is roughly half the amount of regular showerheads.
These fixtures also pay for themselves over time as the reduced water usage leads to lower energy costs. Plus, they often come with additional features like adjustable spray patterns and massage settings, so you can enjoy an even more comfortable and luxurious shower while saving energy at the same time!
Unplug electronics when not in use
Unplugging electronics when not in use is one of the simplest and most effective ways to conserve energy. Even small appliances that are turned off but still plugged into outlets still draw a minimal amount of electricity, which can add up over time.
That’s why unplugging things like TV’s, heated hair care tools, computers, cell phone chargers and other electronics is a no-brainer way to save energy at home.
The good news is that once you develop the habit of unplugging electronic devices when not in use, it only takes seconds to do and doesn’t cost you anything to help reduce your energy consumption.
The best part about making sure all your electronic devices are unplugged when not in use is that it will start paying dividends for your pocketbook quickly and over the long run as well!
Final Words
Making the switch to energy-efficient lighting and keeping up with proper home lighting maintenance can have a huge impact on the environment, as well as on your pocketbook. Adopting the right strategies for home lighting is one of the best investments you can make in terms of sustainability and cost savings.
By taking these tips into consideration, you can be confident that you are making steps towards having an environmentally friendly living space while also conserving your energy costs in the long run.
