July Take Action Period - Week 4

It’s week four of Reduce Energy Use DC’s Take Action Period and this week we’re focusing in on lighting. Did you know that 9% of energy use comes from household lighting?

Don’t worry, we’re not going to leave you in the dark. We have some useful tips on how to make your usage more environmentally and wallet friendly:

• Turn off lights when you aren’t using them.
• Switch out your incandescent lights for LEDs. LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy to deliver the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs. In addition to providing equivalent light, LEDs are dimmable, reach full brightness instantly, and last up to 25 times longer. Only 10-15% of electricity consumed by incandescent bulbs results in light - the rest is heat.
• Replace 5 frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with ENERGY STAR models.
• The average home has 40 sockets, so working toward all LED lights will yield big energy and carbon savings.
• Use light sensors, timers, and motion detectors in bathrooms, laundry rooms, pantry, and outdoors.
• Spotlight your workspaces with desk lamps. Lamps with LED bulbs use less energy than overhead lights and will give you better lighting right where you need it.
• Use solar lights or LEDs for outdoor lighting.

We realize that you may be considering energy-efficient purchases. If you do, look for the ENERGY STAR label. The ENERGY STAR label is awarded to products for the home and office that are highly energy-efficient. Ever feel overwhelmed when buying light bulbs? We get it - there are lots to choose from! Check out DC Sustainable Energy Utility’s lighting guide to find the right type of bulb for each of your rooms.

There are so many more things you can do to help save energy this July. Visit our page for the July Action Period to find out more ways to trim down your energy bill and emissions.