CFL bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and save homeowners an average of $30 in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime – we think that’s a brighter idea that everyone can agree with. Here are a few other brighter ideas that will not only conserve energy, but also help you save money on your next electric bill:
- Plant trees or shrubs around the area where the air conditioning unit is located — being cautious not to prevent air-flow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 percent less electricity.
- Install ceiling fans, or use interior fans, to help maximize air flow and keep your home feeling cooler without greatly increasing your power use.
- Lock all the windows in your home. It tightens the seal to stop air leaks.
- Be mindful when arranging furniture. Try to keep appliances (such as a TV or lamps) away from the thermostat. The heat they give off can trigger the air conditioner to run unnecessarily.
- Opt to "air-dry" your dishes rather than using the dishwasher’s heat drying setting. Prop the door open to speed the drying process.
Click here to add your own "brighter idea."
I program my thermostat to switch off at night and while I’m at work to cut down on heating costs. It saves me 20% on my heating bill.
Tim Armstrong
Blue Earth, MN
Changing the furnace filter every month is a good energy saving tip.
Scott Schafer
Alexandria, MN
I have the chimney cleaned and inspected regularly and burn only fully dried hardwoods to produce the most heat output.
Denise Wolf
Benson, MN
Thaw foods and cut vegetables into smaller pieces before cooking. They'll take less time to cook and therefore saves energy.
Helen Peterson
Litchfield, MN
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Minneapolis, MN
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CFL bulbs use up to 75% less energy to produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs.
Average life of a CFL bulb is 8,000 hours versus 1,000 hours for an incandescent bulb.
A typical CFL bulb costs about $3 more than a regular incandescent bulb but saves an average of $30 over its lifetime in energy and replacement costs.
Incandescent bulbs waste 90% of their energy creating heat.
If every home in America replaced the five most frequently used bulbs in their home with ENERGY STAR® CFL bulbs, it would eliminate greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from more than eight million cars.
If each household in Great River Energy's service area replaced 5 incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs it would eliminate 201,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
CFL bulbs are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors.
CFL bulbs generate 70% less heat, so they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.