American households are feeling the squeeze of rising electricity rates. While costs can vary from region to region, there’s been a nearly 7 percent increase in average rates in the last year. If you’re one of the many homeowners or renters looking to save some cash on your monthly utility bills, there are some energy-efficient lighting options that are good for the planet and the pocketbook. 

Switch to LED Bulbs

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to reduce energy consumption is switching out older light bulbs for LEDs. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy updated its energy-efficiency standards that all but phased out incandescent and halogen bulbs. LEDs are now the standard for homes; however, some households may still be using older bulbs.

Residential LEDs use about 75% less energy compared to incandescents, saving households approximately $225 per year. If your home’s light fixtures still use incandescents, consider making the switch for instant savings.  

Install Solar Light Fixtures

Go solar when feasible to reduce your home’s energy consumption even more. Solar exterior lights generate their own power, are low maintenance, and come in many different types, styles, and finishes.

Since solar exterior lights don’t require any hardwiring or electrical connections, they are relatively easy to install and can be enjoyed immediately. And a bonus, giving your exterior lighting an upgrade is a wonderful way to enjoy these last few weeks of outdoor living before the cold weather sets in.

Types of solar exterior lights:

• Path lights
• Landscape lighting
• Lanterns
• Wall lights and sconces
• Security lights
• String lights

Solar exterior lights should be durable and able to withstand weather and the seasons. Look for a manufacturer like Gama Sonic and others that specialize in this type of lighting and have a proven track record of performance and customer satisfaction. 

Get Smart

Smart lighting puts you in complete control of your home’s light fixtures so they’re turned on only when you need them, conserving energy along the way. Manage operation, duration, and lighting intensity depending on your sleep and awake times, seasons, time of day, and interior design.

From light bulbs and dimmer switches to lamps and exterior lights, smart lighting can be automated, scheduled, and controlled via apps or voice assistants like Google and Alexa. Some lighting products also allow for easy integration into existing smart home products and systems, allowing you to save even more on energy costs. Starfish by SATCO NUVO is a complete smart lighting system that fully integrates a home’s exterior and interior fixtures with seamless control and management. 

Make It FAN-tastic

A ceiling fan can reduce a home’s energy usage any time of year. It improves a room’s air circulation, making the air temperature feel comfortable and reduces the need to run central cooling or heating. During the spring and summer, fan blades circulate counterclockwise, pushing air flow downward to create a chilling effect. Rotate the blade clockwise during the fall and winter to create an updraft of cooler air to move the warm air trapped at the ceiling back down into the room.

There are even some ceiling fan and light combination fixtures that come with smart controls. For example, select ceiling fans from Hinkley come with app-enabled controls that allow you to set schedules, timers, dimming, and airflow speeds.

Welcome Natural Light 

Nothing quite compares to the beauty and benefits of natural sunlight. It promotes healthier habits, maintains consistent sleep and wake cycles, and boosts moods, productivity, and focus. Enhance your sense of wellbeing in your home by welcoming in as much daylight as possible.

Here are a few tips to make the most of natural light in your home:

• Place mirrors opposite windows to allow light to reflect and move around a room.
• Clean the windows! Grimy windows block light from entering the home, so give them a regular cleaning.
• Remove window screens. During colder months, consider temporarily removing the screens to bring in more light.
• Install sheer or light-filtering window curtains or shades that provide some privacy while letting light shine through.

Energy-Efficient Lighting Takeaways

When creating a more energy-efficient home, actions are cumulative. In other words, small changes can work together to achieve big results. Energy-efficient lighting can add up to significant cost savings year over year. It requires less maintenance and repairs on average, saves you time, and enjoys longer lifespans compared to older technologies. Best of all, lighting updates are usually on the cheaper end of home improvement projects and can be enjoyed immediately. We’re all for instant gratification here! 

Have questions on the best kinds of energy-efficient lighting for your home? Get free advice and customized recommendations from the lighting experts at your local lighting showroom. Use our showroom finder tool to visit a location near you.