Finding energy-saving solutions is the best way to shave off some pennies from your electricity bills. Electricity is constantly in use, whether it’s your home or business, and finding efficient lighting solutions will ensure you still get to use the same amounts of electricity but at a cheaper cost.
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Utility Bidder offers a great energy-saving comparison tool that allows you to check the cost of your current energy provider, and find other service providers that offer you cheaper rates and more efficient resources.
Let’s take a look at how you can start saving money on your electricity bill while you hunt for cheaper utilities.
Install Energy Saving Lighting Systems
To save on your electricity bill, you need to use energy-efficient methods and equipment. These types of light bulbs commonly known as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) only take up 90% of electricity when in use. They also last 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs.
There are different wattages for these LED bulbs and can replace any traditional bulbs in lighting equipment such as track lights, recessed fixtures, under cabinet lighting, outdoor lighting, and even task lighting. You can find these light bulbs in different shades of white or other colours.
Another type of energy-saving lighting system is installing Halogen bulbs, these bulbs are also more efficient than the traditional light bulb as they use 25-30% less energy than normal light bulbs.
Another type of energy-efficient lighting system is a Compact Fluorescent Lamp, this can help bring down the cost of electricity. These lamps use 70% less energy than traditional light bulbs. CFLs can pose health risks if not disposed of properly, as they contain traces of mercury.
How to Pick The Correct Lighting Solution?
Saving on your electricity bill means finding the correct lighting system for your specific lighting needs. Follow the steps below to get the correct lighting system for your home or business.
- Step 1: What do you need your lightbulb for?
Knowing what you need to use the lightbulb for will make sure you get the proper light bulb.
A light bulb is made of lumens and wattage, and these will give different results when in use.
- Step 2: Compare the light bulbs lumens and wattage
The lumens of a bulb refer to the amount of light it will produce while wattage refers to the amount of energy the bulb will use.
The best light bulb that will be most energy-efficient to use is a light bulb that has a high lumen with a low wattage usage.
- Step 3: Ensure you choose the correct light bulb temperature
The type of colour of the light bulb will also help with the atmosphere you want to create in the room.
For example, a higher colour temperature (5000K-6000K) will create a bluish, and cool light whereas a lower colour temperature (2700K-3000K) which is a yellow light creates a warm light.
- Step 4: Take the light bulb’s lifespan into account
Lightbulbs with a longer lifespan will reduce the need for replacements and this will save on costs of maintenance and repairs. Initially, LED bulbs may be costly at first when replacing all traditional light bulbs with more efficient ones.
However, in the long run, this is a more energy-efficient and cost-effective method of saving energy.
Smart Lighting Options for Energy Efficiency
Smart lighting systems are another way you can reduce the costs of electricity on your utility bill.
Below are some examples that you can consider using in your business or home to save on energy costs. These options can be timed and remotely controlled by using your tablet or smartphone.
Dimmers
A dimming system can help reduce the amount of electricity and can help control the light brightness levels. Using this system can help save at least 65% on electricity.
Motion Sensors
This system can help control the use of electricity. Motion sensors can help detect when a room is empty or occupied.
With this system installed, lights will be automatically turned on when it senses someone entering the room, and turn off once the room is vacant.
This system will ensure that no lights will be left on when not in use.
Geo-Fencing
This system is a smart feature that is based on location.
Your lights will be automatically switched off once the system detects you are away from your home using the GPS of your smartphone.
Conclusion
Using the above-mentioned tips and steps can help you cut down your monthly expenses for electricity. It is important to choose the lighting system that will benefit your home and your activities best.
Remember, the type of lighting system you use will reflect the costs of your energy bill. Different types of lighting systems will affect your room, their use and how energy-efficient they will be.
Resources
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money
https://www.sparksdirect.co.uk/blog/5-best-energy-efficient-lighting-solutions-tips
https://www.oldmutual.co.za/articles/how-to-save-on-your-electricity-bill/