Tips and Advice

For even greater energy savings, follow these tips.

Assume a 4:1 ratio: A CFL uses about a quarter of the energy of an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light. To choose the right bulb, simply divide the wattage by four.
Think energy efficiency when you redecorate: White reflects roughly 80% of light compared with only 10% for black. As a result, you will need more lighting in dark-coloured rooms than in light-coloured ones.
Think which areas are most frequently lit: Replace the most frequently lit incandescents with CFLs to maximise your energy savings.
Use bulbs for dimmers, trilights and timers: Read the packaging carefully. Certain bulbs are designed specifically for these types of fixtures.
Install dimmer switches or switches with variable settings: This will allow you to control the intensity of light in the room so that you get the exact amount of light you need and no more. This will save energy and make your bulbs last longer. Choose dimmer switches that have a range of intensity levels and choose CFLs designed for use in dimmer switches. Be sure to use dimmer-compatible CFLs.
Install other energy-saving products in your home: Such as timers that automatically turn lights on and off and motion detectors that turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
Buy bulbs with the appropriate wattage: If the wattage is too high, you will waste energy.
Avoid having one switch control several lamps: This will keep you from using lamps unnecessarily. Light switches should be installed in visible, easy-to-reach spots.
Check the height of the bulb (ballast included): To make sure it doesn't go beyond your fixture.
Think of the hard-to-reach fixtures: Change the bulbs on high ceilings, in stairwells, and in other hard-to-reach spots. Since CFLs are long-lasting, you won't need to change them as often.
Think of outdoor use: Use closed outdoor fixtures to protect the CFLs from the elements. Read the packaging to be sure that the bulbs are made to resist winter conditions.
Take advantage of natural daylight: Make the most of the natural light coming into your home through windows and skylights.
Clean bulbs and lighting fixtures regularly: Dirt reduces light output and, when this happens, people tend to turn on additional lights or use higher-watt bulbs unnecessarily.
Turn off lights that are not in use: If you will be leaving the room for more than 10 minutes, turn off the light. This will save energy and extend the life of the bulb.
Choose areas where heat should be avoided: Install CFLs in places where heat could cause problems. They give off much less heat than incandescent bulbs, making them a safer choice.