Owning a home in Rochester helps you enjoy year-round warm temperatures and lots of natural sunlight. No matter where you live in the city, though, you also need to use lights both inside and out. They help you read and relax, entertain friends, and do dozens of other things. If the cost of your electric bills keeps rising, check out some easy tips on how to still use your lights and save money.
1. Change the Bulbs
Those old-fashioned bulbs in use for decades waste more energy than you might think. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are a better option because they use less power. Light-emitting diodes may work even better. Both bulbs cut down on the energy you use in your home and save you some money. Another option is LED bulbs, which use up to 85% less energy. As a bonus, the bulbs also last longer.
2. Add a Dimmer
Many homes use ordinary switches. Flip the switch to turn the lights on and off. The problem is that you don’t always need the full amount of light attached to that switch. This results in you using too much power. Adding a dimmer gives you an easy way to adjust the light. It rotates, letting you add more or less light as needed.
3. Choose Motion Lights
No matter where you live, you want to keep your home safe. While adding lights outside may deter some robbers and criminals, motion lights work even better. The lights only come on when someone or something activates them. Instead of letting the lights run all night and day and use a lot of energy, these only come on when they detect any type of motion. You’ll find similar lights for indoor use, too.
4. Consider Smart Lights and Plugs
Smart lights and plugs work well in most homes. Use the smart bulb in any lamp or lighting fixture and connect it to the app. The app lets you turn the lights on and off when others forget. Smart plugs and power strips work in similar ways. You can even turn off the lights if you’re at work or on the other side of the country.
5. Install Timers
If you live with others who keep forgetting to turn off the lights, install a timer. The settings let you tell the timer how long to run and when to shut off the lights. Once it reaches the length you picked, the timer turns them off. You’ll even find some smart timers that come with an app you can use on your phone.
With all of these tips, you can finally cut down on your energy costs and still use the lights you need. Get help choosing the best lighting products and lighting services when you contact us at Paxton Electric in Rochester, MN.
