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72. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use
75 percent less energy than typical incandescents, and they
last 10 times longer.
73. Choose a compact fluorescent by looking for a wattage
that’s about one-third of the incandescent
wattage you usually use.
74. Use devices like dimmers, motion detectors,
occupancy sensors, photocells and timers to
provide light only when you need it.
75. Keep lamps away from thermostats; the heat
produced can cause your furnace to run less
than needed or your air conditioner more than
needed.
76. Dust light fixtures regularly. A heavy coat of
dust can block up to 50 percent of the light
output.
77. Use only a single bulb in a multi-socket fixture.
Be sure to check the maximum wattage the fixture allows.
78. Replace an incandescent outdoor light or high-intensity
floodlights with a high-pressure sodium fixture. The bulbs
will last longer, use less energy, and handle temperature
extremes better.
79. Low-voltage lighting kits are an energy-efficient way to light
walkways, patios and decks. The soft light will also attract
fewer annoying insects.
80. Decorate with pale colors on walls, ceilings and floors. Soft
tones reflect more light, so you
can use lower wattage bulbs and
delay turning on lights until later
in the day. Using high-gloss paint
can help as well.
81. Read light bulb packages
carefully. Watts measure
the amount of energy
needed; lumens measure
how much light a bulb
produces. Energy-saving
bulbs produce more
lumens per watt of
electricity used.
Dust light fixtures regularly. A heavy coat of dust can block up to 50 percent of the light output. |