Lighten Up Shorter & Darker Days with these Energy-Efficient Lighting Tips

By Kari Kylo, BC Hydro Power Smart

As the days begin to become shorter and the need for more indoor and outdoor lighting becomes greater, consider implementing these simple energy-efficient lighting tips that will not only help to reduce your annual energy bills, but will also be much better for the environment.

• Replace your five most used incandescent light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or lamps and save more than $65 each year in energy costs. CFLs were designed with energy-efficiency in mind, and as a result they use 75% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. They only need to be replaced every five to six years.

• Use dimmers in those rooms that don’t need to be greatly lit, or rooms that require more ambiance. Dimmers extend the life of incandescent light bulbs while saving energy. If using a dimmer with a CFL, make sure the CFL is compatible.

• Outdoor motion sensors are not only great for helping to improve your home’s safety and security, but they can also reduce your need to illuminate specific outside areas around your home throughout the entire night. Sensors automatically turn lights on or off when you enter or leave an area.

• Try utilizing occupancy sensors in various rooms in your home. They automatically turn lights on or off when you enter and leave a room. 

• One of the most economical ways to illuminate your house is by using natural daylight. Keep your blinds wide open during dull, grey days and early evening in order to reduce the number of lights that you need to turn on, if any. 

• Next time you are dusting around your home, don’t forget to clean your lighting fixtures. Washing your lighting fixtures will help the light shine through, which may help you reduce the number of lights that you need to turn on in a room. 

To learn more about BC Hydro’s Power Smart residential programs such as the Fridge Buy-Back program, discounts on ENERGY STARÒ light fixtures and CFLs, mail-in rebates, ENERGY STAR windows, and PST exemptions, visit www.bchydro.com/powersmart.