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Turn off lights in areas that are not being used

This is the simplest behavioral change that you and your family can make to your daily energy-saving regimen! Making a difference starts with small changes. Learn more about when to turn off your lights from EnergySavers.gov.

Substitute natural light for electrical light

Open your curtains to allow natural lighting in, and close them if the room gets too warm. Using light that is already available during daytime hours reduces energy output from light bulbs, saving you money. Learn more about daylighting from EnergySavers.gov.

Use energy-efficient lighting in at least 75% of your lighting fixtures

Fluorescent lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, and can last up to 10 times as long. If you replace 20 bulbs with more energy-efficient lights, you can save up to $600 over the lifetimes of the bulbs. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) now come in all shapes and sizes. There are dimmable models, and models for recessed or outdoor lighting. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting is even more efficient than CFL lighting, but with a greater up-front cost.

Learn more about ENERGY STAR® light bulb options.

If you need help selecting the right bulb replacements, smart phone apps like Light Bulb Finder can help you to choose the right bulbs to upgrade.

Save on upfront costs by taking advantage of Potomac Edison’s lighting rebates.

If you tried a CFL and didn’t like it, it may be because you didn’t select the right wattage, color, brightness, or size. When purchasing CFLs, use these equivalencies to get the brightness you are looking for (or roughly divide by 4):

Use solar lights for walkways and landscaping

Using solar walkway lights instead of a porch light or electric walkway lights will cut energy and/or battery costs because they use the sun to generate light energy, and they only turn on at night using a light sensor. Solar lights are also a great option for garden paths and to accent landscaping. Little maintenance is needed other than keeping the solar cells clean from pollen, dust, and dirt.

Use motion sensors for interior and exterior lighting in low use areas

Motion sensors save energy by only turning on the lights when necessary. There are a variety of options for different uses from nightlights to porch lights. Low traffic or occasional use areas like attics, basements, and closets can also be great locations for motion sensor lighting.

Install a solar light tube

You can bring diffused natural daylight into dark spaces using solar light tubes. Solar light tubes generally have an infrared barrier which allows visible-spectrum light into your home, but not solar heat (infrared radiation). This prevents the solar tube from heating your rooms in hot summer weather. Some light tubes also come with lighting fixtures built in for evening use.

Solar light tubes are relatively easy to install; it takes 2 – 3 hours. To learn how to install a solar light tube, watch this video.