There are probably many areas of our homes that we overlook when it comes to cleaning them. This tends to happen for things we find more difficult to clean. For example, it can be easy to wipe down a counter, but hard to get to a dirty light fixture that we know we need to address. The problem is that in some cases, such as a dirty light fixture, neglected dirt can actually raise your energy bills.
Dirty Light Fixtures Make Rooms Seem Dim, Which People Overcompensate for
While the numbers aren’t consistent across the board, it’s estimated that a dirty light bulb or a dirty light fixture is one that may be anywhere from 30 to 50% less brighter. When your lights are less bright, the room will naturally feel darker. Rather than attributing it to your dusty fixtures, you’ll buy more lights, driving up your energy bills by running a wide range of lamps you actually don’t need. See if your fixtures are the problem before you buy more lights.
Dust Can Decrease the Lifespan of Your Light Bulbs
Dust and grime are not good for your light bulbs. The dirtier they are, the harder they have to work to illuminate the space that they’re in. This causes them to burn out faster, a trend you might notice in your home. While you may think this is due to a specific brand of bulb you’re buying, the real reason could be due to your dirty light bulbs. If you want your bulbs to last longer, clean your fixtures regularly.
What Can You Do? Regular Cleaning Is Simple
The above examples can show you what happens when you neglect your light bulbs. But how do you clean your light bulbs? It’s typically as easy as turning off the light to let your fixtures cool down, dusting the area and bulbs, washing or wiping down any external hardware that’s especially dirty, and then making sure to set a reminder somewhere to dust these areas more frequently. If you run into any issues while you’re doing this, you can always reach out to an electrician to give you some support and check out your home’s lighting.
Dirty lighting doesn’t seem like it’s that high up on your to-do list in comparison to all the other things you need to take care of, but it can end up costing you money. Keep the above insights in mind and use the strategies here to make sure your energy bill doesn’t succumb to poorly maintained light fixtures. If you have concerns or require lighting services, contact Assurance Power Systems in Delray Beach, FL.
