How to Save Money With Energy-Efficient Indoor Lighting

Lighting accounts for about 15% of an average home’s electricity use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That means there’s real money on the table just by rethinking how you light your space. For businesses where lighting is often needed longer and in larger volumes, the potential savings are even greater.

So, what's all this talk about flipping a switch or rethinking how you light your space? Well, the electricians at Mr. Electric are here with some tips to help you make a difference in those utility bills. Continue reading to learn how to make the most of your lighting setup without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

The Low-Hanging Fruit: LED Lighting

The easiest and most well-known step is switching from incandescent or fluorescent bulbs to LEDs. If you’ve heard this advice before, there’s a reason: Because it works.

LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. That’s fewer replacements, lower energy consumption, and more money staying in your pocket. The Department of Energy estimates the average household can save around $225 per year by switching to LEDs alone.

For businesses like restaurants, retail stores, or office spaces where lights may stay on for 8 to 12 hours a day or more, the savings multiply quickly. Replacing outdated bulbs with LEDs is a simple and effective first step.

Make the Most of Natural Light

While LEDs are great, there’s one light source that beats them all: Sunlight. Strategically use natural light to reduce your dependence on artificial lighting while also giving your space a warm and inviting ambiance.

At home, that might mean rearranging furniture, utilizing mirrors, or installing lighter curtains that let daylight in without the glare. In an office or retail environment, adding skylights or solar tubes or simply pulling up the blinds during daytime hours can help cut energy costs.

Dimmers, Timers, and Smart Lighting Systems

Technology innovators and budget-conscious property owners are on the same page when it comes to energy savings. Dimmer switches and motion sensors can help reduce energy usage in areas like hallways, bathrooms, and conference rooms by utilizing only enough power - no more and no less.

Smart lighting systems take this a step further. With automated schedules and app control, you can adjust brightness levels, set timers, and even manage energy use from your phone or tablet. Want your living room lights to dim automatically in the evening? Check. Wish you could turn off lights you left on before leaving to work? With smart lighting, you can.

The caveat is that smart lighting systems typically require some complex electrical service to integrate into the existing electrical system. The team at Mr. Electric has extensive experience with installing and even replacing these systems.

Don't Forget Maintenance

Dusty bulbs and dirty fixtures may not seem like a big deal, but they can reduce brightness and force you into using more fixtures than necessary. Periodically cleaning your lights and checking for wear helps your system run more efficiently.

Regular maintenance also includes inspecting wiring and connections. Loose wires or outdated ballasts in fluorescent fixtures can lead to unnecessary energy drain and even fire hazards. This is why it is always advisable to leave the indoor lighting installation work to certified electricians.

Hire a Certified Electrician Today

Energy-efficient indoor lighting isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s also good for the environment. Whether you’re outfitting a new space, upgrading an old one, or just starting to explore your options, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The team at Mr. Electric is always ready, willing, and able to help. Call now to get in touch!