BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Reduce Energy Consumption

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (15 Ratings)

The incandescent lightbulb should be a called a "heat bulb," because 90 percent of the electricity we put into it comes out as heat. Light is only the byproduct. Changing to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will save about $70 per bulb. To maximize the benefits and reduce the chance of buying a bulb that won't fit, take the following approach.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Lighting Catalogs
Paper And Pencil
Tape Measure

Step1

Take a lighting inventory of your home. Write down the fixture location, number of bulbs and wattage, size limitations (measured from end to end), control needs such as dimmability or three-way, and any other requirements such as outdoor use.

Step2

Review lighting manufacturers' catalogs, which are widely available online or by calling toll-free customer-service departments.

Step3

Write down suitable compact fluorescent lamp substitutes for the fixtures on your inventory list. For the greatest payback, make bulbs used more than 4 hours a day your priority.

Step4

Shop your list at local sources such as home centers and lighting stores. For your remaining lightbulb needs, search the Internet.

Tips & Warnings

CFL models now include reflectors, three-ways, globes, dimmables, bug lights, outdoor floods and many other styles. You should be able to replace one-third to one-half the lights in your home.

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Comments

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Install motion detector light switches in rooms where people forget to turn them off. Hallway lights are a good spot. Closed bathroom doors hide lights that are on. Basement lights are shut off automatically when you come up the stairs.