Reduce your lighting costs by up to 90% by switching to LEDs, utilizing smart controls like motion sensors and dimmers, and making the most of natural daylight. These simple, highly effective habits and upgrades will immediately lower your electricity bill
1. Upgrade to LEDs
Switch to LEDs: Replace old incandescent and halogen bulbs with LEDs. They use up to 90% less electricity and last up to 20 to 25 times longer.
Integrated fittings: Consider replacing entire light fixtures with integrated LED fittings, which last for decades and reduce future waste.
Check the lumens: When shopping, ignore old wattage measurements. Instead, look for lumens (the true measure of brightness) to ensure you get the right amount of light.
2. Take Control with Smart Tech
Smart bulbs: Connect smart bulbs to your Wi-Fi to easily set schedules, automate routines, and control lighting remotely via manufacturer apps.
Timers & sensors: Install motion sensors (PIR) for hallways, bathrooms, and garages, ensuring lights are never left on in unoccupied rooms.
Dimmers: Fit dimmer switches in your living room or bedroom. Dimming your lights lowers power usage while instantly creating a cozier, relaxing atmosphere.
3. Change Your Habits
Always turn them off: Turning lights off when leaving a room—even if it's just for a minute—saves more energy than leaving them on. It is a myth that restarting a bulb uses more energy than keeping it illuminated.
Use task lighting: Light specific areas where you are working (e.g., using a desk lamp) rather than illuminating the entire room with overhead ceiling lights.
Keep bulbs clean: Dust and wipe down your bulbs periodically to maximize their brightness and efficiency.
4. Maximize Natural Light
Open up: Keep curtains and blinds fully open during the day to maximize your reliance on natural daylight.
Reflect and diffuse: Use light-colored walls and place mirrors opposite windows to bounce natural light deeper into your rooms. Sheer curtains provide privacy while still diffusing sunlight.
5. Efficient Outdoor Lighting
Solar power: Illuminate gardens and walkways with solar-powered garden lights and security lights, which require no electricity at all.
Sensors: Ensure outdoor security lights are equipped with dusk-to-dawn sensors or motion detectors so they only activate when you need them.
For more detailed guides on choosing the right fixtures, you can consult the UK-based Energy Saving Trust Lighting Advice or the Centre for Sustainable Energy Efficient Lighting Guide.