Does Turning the Lights Off Really Help You Save Money? | Teems Electric

Turning your lights off when you leave the room sounds like a simple enough trick for saving money, right? However, what started out as simple advice has certainly become a hot button topic.

You may have heard that it is a myth that this is a savings strategy, or that turning lights on and off can actually cost you more in the long run—so how do you know what to believe?

Fortunately, we are here to help! Below, we will be breaking down the reason behind turning your lights off, how it can help you save and what to keep in mind as you get into this habit around your home. Keep reading to learn more.

Will Turning Off the Lights Help Me Save Money on Electricity?

The savings depends on the type of bulbs involved. How much you can actually save by turning off the lights in your home depends heavily on what types of bulbs you have. Incandescent and halogen lights are the least energy-efficient, so any time you leave a room, turning these off is a good idea. CFL bulbs are highly efficient, and turning them on and off repeatedly can significantly reduce their lifespan, so these should only be switched off if you will be away for more than 15 minutes. LED bulbs are highly efficient and their lifespan is not diminished by powering them up, so they can be turned off any time you exit the room, too.

The wattage is also a factor in the savings provided. Different bulbs use different wattages to operate, which means they are pulling different levels of electricity as they are on. Bulbs with a higher wattage will cost more to run, and therefore will be the most beneficial to turn off when not in use.

What Other Factors Impact How Much Money Lights Can Cost?

In addition to the factors above, there are several other things that can impact how much or how little you are able to save by turning out the lights, including:

• How many bulbs are in the fixture that is switched on
• The amount of time the light was off while you were out of the room
• What your power company charges per kilowatt hour usage

If you are hoping to find other ways to save on your lighting costs, we can help! We can assist with both residential and commercial lighting needs. Contact us today for more information.