BIZ BLAST FROM THE PAST - Save Money Lighting Your Home

Let there be light! On January 27, 1880, Thomas Edison received a patent for one of his most famous inventions - the incandescent lamp. This paved the way the universal domestic use of the electric light. How much do you pay to illuminate your home? The Department of Energy (DOE) says the average household dedicates about 5 percent of their energy budget to lighting. THE SCHOOL BELL has some tips on how you can reduce the amount you spend.

Light Bulbs

Remember the traditional incandescent bulbs? They use a lot of energy to produce light and are no longer manufactured. Since 2012, the DOE instituted new lighting standards and consumer have some other options:

HALOGEN INCANDESCENT: While these may look like old school bulbs, there’s a difference. Traditional incandescent bulbs cost $4.80 a year to operate, while halogen incandescent bulbs cost $3.50. The bulbs are considered by least energy efficient type of lighting. They are also inexpensive.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS (CFL): While CFL’s come in a variety of styles and shapes, you’re probably most familiar with the curly bulbs. The DOE says while CFL’s cost more than comparable incandescent bulbs, they last 6 to 15 times as long. The DOE says a typical CFL can pay for itself in energy savings in less than 9 months and continue to save you money each month.

LIGHT EMITTING DIODES (LED):

These bulbs are among the most expensive. But experts say they will save you money in the long run, because they last a long time and have very low energy use.

Some more energy saving tips:

NEW ATTITUDE: The DOE says if you replace your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with ENERGY STAR energy-efficient models you can save $75 each year.

TURN OUT THE LIGHTS: If you don’t plan on returning to a room, turn off the lights. Invest in a timer to turn your lights of when you are not using them. Dimmers can also help you regulate the level of light in a particular room.

HERE COMES THE SUN: Take advantage of the sun! Adjust you curtains and blinds to let more light in. If you can, install solar lighting outside your home.

ALL FOR YOU: The U.S. government is currently not offering any federal incentives for lighting. However, several states are offering tax credits, rebates and savings. Visit www.energy.gov/savings/research for more information.

The School Bell has rung! Class dismissed!