The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that lighting accounts for 15% of the average American household’s annual bill. It also figures that you can save $400 or more a year with some simple changes.
Shop for ENERGY STAR-Certified Products
ENERGY STAR is a joint program between the DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Through the program, the EPA certifies products that have met certain standards in independent testing. When you choose these products, you’ll know that they’re among the most efficient in their class, and the marketing language is truthful.
Transition From Incandescent to LED Bulbs
Some homeowners hesitate to switch because LED bulbs are more expensive, and the earliest products weren’t the greatest in terms of brightness. That has changed, as modern LED bulbs are very bright. The DOE notes that LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Invest in Premium LED Bulbs
People who’ve gotten a bad impression of LED bulbs have likely had experiences with low-quality products. The added cost of a premium LED bulb is worth it for brightness, finer control (including brightness adjustment), and longevity.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Letting in natural light can make a big difference in how much artificial light you need. Modern smart home devices let you take advantage of daylight harvesting. This can include shades and blinds that open and close on their own and light bulbs that adjust up or down based on the sunlight that’s present.
Install Dimmer Switches
Not all LED bulbs support brightness adjustment, but most premium bulbs do. They also support color adjustment and mood settings. Brightness control lets you use only as much light as you need and save money in the process. Wall dimmer switches are convenient. If those are not an option, consider smart LED bulbs that let you adjust them from a smartphone app.
Install Smart Outlets or Plugs
Purchase smart LED bulbs whenever possible, as it they give you more control and savings potential. You can also install smart outlets or use smart plugs. These will provide you with basic smart features with any lamp, including scheduling, timers, and so forth.
Opt for Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights With Battery Backups
Many homeowners think LEDs aren’t powerful enough for outdoor usage, but they are. There are LED floodlamps that can illuminate your entire property. You also have the option of solar-powered lights, which will run almost entirely on sunlight. We also recommend battery backup systems. These can store unneeded power and use it later on days when there’s limited sunlight.
Would you like to upgrade your home’s lighting and save money in the process? Contact us at Assurance Power Systems today to learn more about your lighting options in Delray Beach, FL.
