Bright Ideas
Consider this guide an aha! moment. Sticking to these clever pointers can help you reduce energy use while saving you a bundle on your bill. From the best bulbs to the smartest light switches, keeping your home bright on a dime just got a lot simpler.
Conserve in Unused Areas
There's no truth to the rumor that turning your lights on and off uses up more energy than just leaving them on, so keep unoccupied rooms in the dark. The one possible exception: fluorescent bulbs, which will burn out faster if they're constantly flipped. Keep these on if you plan to use them again within a few minutes.
Change Your Bulbs
Swap incandescents for Energy Star—qualified CFLs or LEDs and you'll save money two ways: First, you'll trim up to $6 a year off your energy bill for each bulb you replace. Then, even though the bulbs are more expensive (about $1.75 per bulb for CFLs and $10 for LEDs versus 38¢ for an incandescent), they last much longer. Incandescents usually burn out in less than a year, while CFLs only need to be replaced about every nine years and LEDs every 22. If you hate the corkscrew look, look for CFLs with domed covers that resemble traditional bulbs (the CFLs cost about $4.50 each).
Dim It Down
Putting dimmer switches in your most frequently used rooms can cut your bill by up to $30 a year (and add ambiance, too). A basic wall or plug-in lamp dimmer will cost around $20 and will work with almost any fixture, from a chandelier to a table lamp. To save even more, look for dimmers that are compatible with energy-efficient CFLs and LEDs and buy dimmable bulbs. They can cost up to 50% more than the non-dimmable kind, but you won't need to purchase them as often.
More Home Decoration Tips:
If you want to know more about home decoration tips, please refer to Dream Bedding Sets Blog to get more ideas.
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