Whether you want to save the environment or have a few extra bucks to put in your wallet, everyone can benefit from an energy-efficient home. One of the biggest sources of unnecessary energy consumption is your home’s lighting. It’s also one of the easiest issues to fix! If you’re a homeowner looking to reduce lighting costs, here are five simple changes you can make.

1. Switch to LED Lightbulbs

LED bulbs use 90% less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent ones. These bulbs are available in a wide variety and in multiple wattages, so they can replace everything from your under-cabinet lighting to your outdoor floodlights. It may require a small, upfront investment to make the full switch to LEDs, but you’ll save more in the long run by reducing your overall energy use.

2. Take Advantage of Daylight

Natural lighting is free, so why not take advantage of it when you can? Make a habit of turning off your lights and opening the curtains when it’s sunny outside. Don’t forget to keep your windows and skylights clean. Over time, residue can buildup on the glass surfaces of your home, reducing the amount of daylight that passes through.

3. Use Task Lighting

Task lighting concentrates illumination where it’s most needed. Instead of lighting up the whole room, try turning on the lamp by your favorite reading chair or above your computer monitor when working on certain tasks. Doing this minimizes energy use while providing the amount of light you need, so the only noticeable difference will be a smaller electricity bill.

4. Install Timers and Motion Sensors

Another strategy in curbing unnecessary energy consumption is automation. Timers can be programmed to turn the lights off according to your family’s preferred schedule. Similarly, motion sensors will turn on the lights when the room is in use and turn them off when no motion is detected. If you’re interested in these lighting upgrades, a licensed electrician can safely and easily install them for you.

5. Make Lights Dimmable

Dimmer switches and dimmable lightbulbs allow you to have greater control over the strength of your illumination. In turn, you can purposefully lower your lighting costs by dimming your lights. This strategy works best on rooms that consume more energy by default, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Once again, a licensed electrician can easily convert your light switches to dimmable options.

Get Expert Help

Keeping the lights on doesn’t have to be expensive nor complicated. Follow the above tips to minimize energy expenditure and maximize savings. For more information about lighting your home in Modesto, CA, reach out to the friendly professionals at The Electric Company.