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More Energy Savings

A ceiling fan can make a room feel cooler, and it uses much less energy than an air conditioner. When a ceiling fan is in use, you can raise the temperature on your thermostat while maintaining a comfortable environment.

 

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  • Lighting that Saves

    Simple changes to your lighting that can help you save energy—and money.

    by Jennifer Sellers

    When you purchase a new piece of furniture, you don't have to think about putting more money toward it unless it's to have it reupholstered, refinished or replaced. Your home's lighting, however, is different. Unlike other aspects of your décor, lighting requires a constant investment: energy payments. Fortunately, it's possible to save on the energy costs related to lighting your home.

     

    Switch out Your Bulbs

    Electrical lighting has evolved significantly over the past century, and a recent change has been that of the humble light bulb. Thomas Edison's iconic bulb-shaped device is quickly being replaced with spiral compact florescent lamps (CFLs). The primary reason for this switch is that CFLs use dramatically less energy. For example, a CFL can put out the same amount of light as a 100-watt incandescent light bulb by using only 26 watts. CFLs will also last longer while using less energy.

     

    Hit the Dimmer

    A simple way to use less energy is to use less light. For outdoor lighting this can mean opting for timers and motion detectors. Inside your home you can make use of dimmers, photocells and lower settings on two-way and three-way lamps.

    Making these changes can help you save energy—even with traditional incandescent bulbs. However, if you use only CFLs in your home, be aware that you'll need to buy a special dimmable version of the bulb to use in dimming fixtures.

     

    Let the Sun Shine In

    Use sunlight to your advantage, and you can cut back on how much you use other types of lighting in your home. During daylight hours, open blinds and curtains to let the natural light spill in. You might also consider installing some Solatube® fixtures, which can harness sunlight to brighten your rooms any time of the day.