Tired of paying a high electricity bill?
Then it’s time to do something about it!
In this article, we will discuss how homeowners can use eco-friendly lighting to reduce their energy bills. As a bonus, you’ll also be helping the environment.
We’ll cover what types of lights are available, where you can buy them, and how to install them. We will also touch on LED lights as they have been a major driving force in the green light movement.
How can eco-friendly lights save you money? Read on to find out!
Types of Eco-Friendly Lighting
Did you know eco-friendly lights are designed to save the environment?
Eco-friendly lighting seems to be making an appearance in more and more households. Thanks to the competition, there are a bunch of different brands, and styles available. To help you understand the different types, here are 3 of the most popular ones:
- LEDs
- Compact Fluorescents
- Halogen lights
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are the best way to go if you want your home to shine. They’re mercury-free, which means they’re better for both your health and the environment.
LED lights use much less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. As you gather more info on led light, you’ll realize how fun and efficient these lights can be.
Next, compact fluorescents can also provide a warm and inviting glow that’s perfect for every room in your house. They come in several shapes and sizes depending on how you plan to incorporate them into your decorating scheme.
These bulbs contain small amounts of mercury. If you wind up breaking a CFL, you follow these mercury cleaning practices to stay safe.
If you’re looking for a warmer and more traditional lighting experience, halogen might be the best way to go. Halogen lights shine brighter than both LEDs and compact fluorescents. When used with energy-efficient bulbs, they can save a lot of electricity.
Where Can You Buy Eco-Friendly Lights?
As more and more people choose green lights to help save the environment, it should be easy to find eco-friendly bulbs in your area. The only problem is that when everyone goes green, prices tend to go up.
If you can’t wait for the price of eco-friendly lighting to come down, you might consider shopping online. There, you can find a great selection at even better prices without having to make a special trip to your neighborhood store.
Installing Warm Halogen Lights
First, let’s look at how to install halogen lights. You’ll begin by turning off the power to the light source at the circuit breaker. Next, test for power using a tamper-proof electrical tester.
Finally, use a grounded ladder or step stool to access your halogen light source. Unscrew the old fixture, and replace it with a new one.
Test all of the lights before you turn on the power at the circuit breaker again. If everything works correctly, you’re good to go!
Installing Bright CFL Lights
Moving on, let’s look at how to install compact fluorescent light bulbs. First, check the wattage on all of the CFLs that you’re replacing. For your lights to work correctly, all of the CFLs have to be the same type and color temperature.
If the wattage is different, you’ll need to install an electronic ballast. It’s easy to identify a CFL with a built-in ballast because they look slightly bulky and heavy. There will be large wires connecting the power source to your fixture.
To install CFLs with built-in ballasts, use your grounding equipment. Then, unplug the CFL and remove the old fixture. Make sure you save all of your pieces so that you can get them back together later on down the road.
Next, plug in the new CFL and screw it into place. Finally, test all of your fixtures to make sure they’re working properly before turning on your circuit breakers.
Installing Eco-Friendly LED Lights
Lastly, let’s look at how to install LED lights. Again, you’ll want to turn off the power to your fixture at the circuit breaker. You don’t have to worry about testing for power first because you’re not dealing with a live electrical connection.
Next, remove the old fixture by unscrewing the screws. If the screws are rusty, make sure you have a Phillips-head screwdriver on hand to get them out easily.
Once you’ve removed your old fixture, test to make sure all of your LED lights work before you mount them into place. You can use a piece of masking tape to mark the spot where the screws should go.
Once you’ve marked your spot, hold up your LED light and make sure it’s in a straight line with your previous fixture. Finally, replace the screws and screws in your new LED unit. Again, test before turning on power at the circuit breaker box!
How Much Do Eco-Friendly Lights Save?
Now, for the big question on everyone’s mind. How much money will eco-friendly lights save you, exactly?
The answer will vary from one house to the next. While some homeowners report savings of up to 80%, others find that they’ve only reduced their electric bills by 30%.
You’ll need to do some research on your end, but be sure that you’re getting the most accurate information possible. For instance, if a website tells you that you’ll save hundreds of dollars every year, follow up with an energy company in your area before you make any moves.
Final Energy Saving Thoughts
Now you know all about eco-friendly lighting. Whether you’re looking for halogen bulbs or LED units, you should be able to find what you need without too much hassle. Just remember that the more time and effort you put in now, the more money you’ll save later on.
Walk around your house today and notice what type of lights you’re currently using. Then decide what type of eco-friendly lights you’d like to replace them with.
Finally, read a few customer reviews online to see what lights are working for homeowners. For more advice, explore the rest of our site.
