Execute Your Lighting Efficiency Project Plan
First, ensure you select a plan of attack that includes:
- Switch lights off.
- Identify lights the most used lights (most hours and highest wattage). Replace these bulbs first with LED lightbulbs that provide the proper lumens (brightness) and desired color temperature.
- Continue to replace lower use or lower wattage incandescent lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs that provide the proper lumens (brightness) and are the desired color temperature.
- Replace CFL or compact fluorescent lightbulbs with LED lighting after replacing the most inefficient lights in your home.
- Make sure all LED replacements are bright enough (the same or more lumens than was produced by the old lightbulb) and are the preferred color temperature for the task and location of the lightbulbs.
- Make sure you double-check if the lights to be upgraded are on dimmer controls. Some dimmer controls work better with high-efficiency lighting than others.
- Consider using newer, automatic controls to turn lights off when not needed (such as in basements, spare bedrooms, etc.). They can help you save money on your electric bill.
- Always be extremely careful when on ladders, step stools, etc. when changing lightbulbs. Get help from other family members, friends or neighbors to make sure lights are changed as safely as possible.
Homeowners Role in Lighting Efficiency Projects
Homeowners often take the lead on simpler tasks such as lighting efficiency upgrades, appliance replacements and turning things off when they are not needed. However, other, more challenging ways to reduce your electric bill such as high-efficiency air conditioning, air sealing of your home or adding insulation should be done by partnering with a qualified installation contractor.
We established a list of Qualified Contractors that passed our rigorous verification procedure and helps customers find quality contractors in their area. All GHA quality contractors successfully completed our training assurance program, which makes selecting a contractor easier for you. Homeowners are under no obligation to hire a contractor from our Qualified Contractor Network, but it makes your hiring decision much simpler and less stressful. Give the GHA Qualified Contractor Network a try!