Energy Tip Details
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Replace your light bulbs
Traditional incandescent light bulbs are very inefficient. Replacing them with LED light bulbs can help you to save energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing your incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs can reduce energy costs by up to 75%.
What You Need to Do
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Step 1Take examples of your existing bulbs to a hardware store that has a wide range of CFL and other energy efficient light bulbs. Get help matching your existing bulb and its color.
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Step 2If you are very sensitive to the color of their lights, you should consider changing just one or two bulbs to try out the options - perhaps starting outside. Note: Do not put traditional incandescent bulbs into light fixtures designed for high-efficiency light bulbs.
Recommendation:
Energy Star Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), Fluorescent Interior and Exterior Hardwire Fixtures, LED lights
FAQ
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How do products qualify for ENERGY STAR®? What does it mean?ENERGY STAR® is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Products can earn the ENERGY STAR® label by meeting the energy efficiency requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR® product specifications. ENERGY STAR® qualified products use as much as 50% less energy than standard products.
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Where can I find ENERGY STAR® products?You can search for ENERGY STAR® products across many major retailers (e.g. Best Buy, Amazon) and find the best deals. You can compare the total cost of owning a product, which includes both the upfront cost as well as the ongoing costs of operating the product (at your utility rate / usage).
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If I complete this measure, can I track my savings over time?If you mark an item on your plan as completed, we will track your estimated energy use and savings over time. We can use this to find additional savings options.
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Are there other low cost ideas to save money in addition to my Action Plan?In addition to your Action Plan, you can search through our Energy Tips. There are ideas for quick behavior changes, weekend projects, maintenance, when it breaks, health and comfort, and other energy saving ideas. You can easily add those to your action plan.
