The world today is expensive. From the cost of living to the clothing on your back, everything seems to be continuously creeping upward. Your utility bills being no exception. As the number one store for an ‘Ace Hardware near me,’ our team at Aubin Ace Hardware is here to help. No, we are not offering to pay those bills. We have our own! Instead, we are here to help you consider ways to save on the energy costs within your home.
The first, most straightforward answer – switching out your lightbulbs and maybe even light fixtures.
Let’s talk fluorescent and incandescent.
One of the first, and thus the most popular, type of bulb is the incandescent. Behind the fluorescent light, incandescent emits some of the highest UV rays of all bulb options. In fact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, recent years show a 12% increase in eye disease caused by exposures to cool, bright, and fluorescent lighting. In general, you want to avoid harsh fluorescent lighting when possible.
If you have incandescent light bulbs, considering swapping them for a lower wattage. This doesn’t mean your lights will be dimmer—this depends on the fixture itself. You can change out your fixtures for ones that require lower wattage bulbs to save on energy without making your home darker.
So, what is the most energy-efficient option?
While it’s easy to grab one of the above mentioned as they are readily available in every retail store, the choice is not the best. Instead, take the time to find the most energy-efficient solution – the LED bulb. As the most efficient option, LED lighting is the preferred choice for many homeowners.
LED lights range in wattage and come with optional dimmable features. Thus, this lightbulb leaves much of the control and option in the hands of the homeowners. Beyond the cost savings, LED lights far outweigh other options when harmful UV rays are a consideration.
For a more permanent solution than merely changing out the bulbs, you can save energy by investing in timers or sensors to automatically turn off lights when no one’s in the room. However, if you choose to go this route, you should consider what kind of bulbs you’re using. CFL bulbs should actually be left on in some cases—the EPA recommends leaving CFL bulbs on when you’re out of the room for less than 15 minutes. These bulbs require energy to turn on and off, so leaving them on for a short time will save energy.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your electric bill, it’s time to go back to the basics. For more information, stop into Aubin Ace Hardware today – the number one ‘ace hardware near me!’
