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Energy Conservation... In Your Home

Lighting

Lighting energy consumption averages 1,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year for the typical Montana household. Increasing the lighting efficiency in your home is the quickest way to reduce this part of your energy bill. Fortunately, improvements to the efficiency of light bulbs and lighting fixtures in the last ten years helps you do this easily.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) have been readily available for many years now. CFLs have become more popular with recent advances increasing their quality and uses in the home. They are the most energy-efficient choice for homes today. CFLs come in screw-in or pin-based configurations, in many sizes and shapes. Screw-in lamps fit into almost any fixture that accepts standard bulbs.

When shopping for new light bulbs or lighting fixtures look for ENERGY STAR products. ENERGY STAR products provide the same light output as conventional incandescent light products while requiring 2/3 less energy. Another valuable feature is that these products can operate 7 - 10 times longer than standard light bulbs. The higher initial cost of ENERGY STAR qualified light products is recouped through lower annual operating costs.

CFL BulbA CFL bulb will last up to 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb

Lighting Tips

  • Replace light bulbs in the highest use fixtures with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). Good candidates to replace are fixtures that are in use for at least four hours or more per day. Replace incandescent bulbs that are in the 60 - 100 watt range.
  • The highest use fixtures are typically the kitchen ceiling light, living room table and floor lamps and bathroom vanity. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products are available to meet all these lighting needs. Switching to ENERGY STAR products in all these applications can save you up to $60 each year in energy costs.
  • Take advantage the 25 percent Montana energy conservation tax credit when you purchase new ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures to reduce both your tax bill and lighting bill.

Change A Light Change The World Banner

Change a Light, Change the World Campaign

The ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World campaign is a national challenge sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy to encourage Americans to consider the energy they use and help change the world one light, one step, at a time. Save time, energy and money while helping to protect the environment by switching to light bulbs and fixtures that have earned the ENERGY STAR.

Visit www.energystar.gov/changealight to learn more about this year’s campaign.

Change A Light Pledge