Try CFL Lightbulbs and Let the Sun In
The price of everything is going up. All the more reason to learn about the little ways you can save money. You can save money – and help the environment – by trying out the latest in light bulbs – CFLs.
Ten percent of energy use in the average home is for lighting. You can make a noticeable impact on the environment and save money on your electric bill by switching your bulbs out to fluorescent (CFLs). They may be more expensive at the point of purchase, but fluorescents last six to10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and can cut light energy use by as much as 50 percent.
If you aren’t a fan of fluorescents, try Light Emitting Diodes (LED). LEDs have been used for years to illuminate traffic lights and the small red or green lights in electronics like cell phone chargers. They are now being mainstreamed and manufactured for consumer products. Although more expensive than CFLs, LEDs come in lots of great colors and use 85 percent less energy than your average household bulb.
Not into CFL or LED options? You can still make a difference in energy use if you make it a point to turn off unneeded lights and, when possible, open curtains, blinds or shades. This time of year, when the days are long and light is plentiful, let the sun shine in!