Turn Off the Lights – How It Benefits You & the Environment

Does it save electricity to turn off the lights? Will turning off the lights help us lower our carbon footprint?

Many people are now making a conscious effort to minimize waste, reduce single-use products, and reuse or recycle. In most homes you’ll even find energy-efficient appliances.

In our brightly lit lives, the simple act of flicking off a light switch also holds more significance than most people realize.

The necessity to turn off lights is now much more than a habit passed down through generations or a way to save a few dollars. This simple act has become a crucial step towards conserving energy and reducing our carbon footprint.

In this post, our electricians at Premium Electric will dive into the numbers to understand why turning off the lights matters.

Turn Off the Lights to Save Energy & Money

Every time you flip a switch, you’re not just illuminating your space; you’re also impacting your energy consumption and electrical bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, when not in use, if you turn off the lights it the reduction in kilowatt-hour consumption can be significant, especially crucial during shorter winter days.

Transitioning to energy-efficient lighting options like LED bulbs and implementing lighting controls such as motion detectors and timers can amplify these savings, as highlighted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Lights Off Helps the Environment

Beyond financial gains, when you turn off the lights it contributes to a greener planet by reducing our carbon footprint. The electricity powering our homes often originates from fossil fuels. By consuming less energy, we indirectly lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Simple acts like turning off lights during the day or when leaving a room, and powering down unnecessary appliances, all contribute to a sustainable future.

How Much Money Can You Save When You Turn off the Lights?

The type of light bulb you use significantly impacts both your energy consumption and your wallet. Here’s a breakdown:

Incandescent Light Bulbs

Consuming 0.06 kWh per hour, running an incandescent bulb for 1,000 hours can cost approximately $8.80 CAD. Multiply that by the number of incandescent light bulbs in your home and this expense can quickly add up. Canada has been phasing out incandescent light bulbs so if you still use them, turn off the lights when they are not needed.

Halogen Light Bulbs

Slightly more efficient than incandescent bulbs, halogen lights use about 25% less energy, costing around $6.60 CAD for 1,000 hours of use. Again, this is an expense that can quickly add if you use a lot of halogen light bulbs so turn of the lights when not in use.

CFL Light Bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Light)

CFL light bulbs are significantly more efficient, costing only $1.65 CAD for 1,000 hours. However, it’s advisable to turn off the lights only if you’ll be away from a room for more than 15 minutes to extend their lifespan.

LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are the shining star for lighting since they can be up to 80% more efficient than incandescent bulbs and costing a mere $2.20 CAD for 1,000 hours of use. Additionally, their lifespan remains unaffected by frequent switching, making them a worthwhile investment. That said, we still recommend that you turn of the lights when they are not needed.

To lower our carbon footprint for future generations we all need to adjust our daily habits now. Let’s opt for energy-efficient lighting solutions so we can illuminate our savings and contribute to a sustainable future for everyone.

Contact Premium Electric

As you can see, when you turn off the lights, it isn’t just about saving a few dollars on your electrical bill. Turning of the lights can make a significant impact on both your finances and the environment.

If you still have questions about lighting or how to save energy in the home, contact Premium Electric. Our fully bonded and certified electricians are available 24/7 and serve both residential and commercial clients across the Greater Vancouver area.

We can also be reached by email or call us at 604-308-6195