It might not seem like a big deal in the scheme of things, but our home’s lighting plays a major role in how comfortable we feel in our homes. There’s no wonder why people will actually spend thousands of dollars on lighting each and every year. From lamps to the electricity bill, there’s always some form of payment for the way we choose to light our homes. There are many ways to cut down on the cost of lighting though. Even if it means utilizing natural light or saying no to that high priced lamp in the department store, you will love the amount of money you saved on lighting at the end of the year. With these tips you’ll learn to bask in your home’s light without letting the price tag make you feel gloomy.
1. Solar Lamps
In today’s high tech society you may be surprised as to how many solar lamps you can purchase at a surprisingly low price. Recently, there has been many of these amazing lamps released into the market, which make them easier for the everyday person to purchase. You can even purchase a small variation of the solar lamp at local dollar stores. These lamps need light during the day to charge up, but will help provide you with ample light at night without forcing you to use even more electricity. The smaller solar lamps are the perfect night light for children who don’t want to sleep in complete darkness. Apart from helping you save on some money, the lamps are better for the environment which helps the rest of the world. Solar lamps come in an assortment of designs and are improved often so you may really enjoy utilizing this form of lighting.
2. Mark Down Lamps
One of the major problems when it comes to lamps is the paying the high price for the fashionable styles. Many stories will actually overcharge for lamps because they know people are willing to pay the price. There’s actually a surprising amount of fashionable lamps on clearance that many people just don’t know about. Before you settle on paying a huge price on a lamp make sure to go through the clearance bin at your favorite store, or shop online to see if the warehouse has a clearance section. You’ll be surprised as to how many cool designs you may find. Of course, you can always wait for your favorite stores to have a sale on the lighting section in order to score a better deal. If you are really into vintage style lamps then try to shop at a thrift store or used furniture store. These lamps are usually marked down and will make a great addition to your home.
3. Go Natural
One easy way to enjoy plenty of light in the home is to keep it natural. During the day you should never have to have lights on in the home, especially if every room as a window. You may want to consider sky lights to help with the lighting, which will not only cut down the energy bill but will also add value to your home. Sometimes, the light during the day might get a little too intense, but that can easily be remedied by a set of blinds. Simply pull down the blinds when you want some privacy or when the glare is too much for you. You can also use the blinds to filter in the right amount of light for the work you are doing. If you plan on doing activities that require light at night, like reading, then you may want to consider trying out some old fashioned methods. Try reading by candlelit, or sit down next to the fireplace to help improve the amount you see in the dark.
4. Warranties
Sometimes you just can’t avoid buying an expensive light, especially if your home is only wired for certain pieces. One way to ensure you get the most for your money is to make sure every lamp you buy has a warranty. Usually, companies will include a warranty for high dollar lighting systems so you don’t have to do much when you purchase the item. However, some companies do require you to purchase the warranty separately, so make sure to ask the store about it before you walk out with your expensive item. If you don’t have any luck find a warranty then you may be able to get on through your credit card company. Make sure to call ahead before you make the purchase though as your not always guaranteed this option.
5. Battery Lamps
Sometimes the house just needs a little extra light which is where battery lamps come in handy. There’s a lot of battery lamps on the market now and they usually range in the lower price range. One of the most common uses for these lamps is for children who are afraid of the dark. The lamps usually come with an easy to touch design that will signal the light to come on for a period of time. These lamps also often have a way to stick onto the wall which make them great for darker staircases or hallways. They can also be moved around frequently without destroying the wall. Kids can easily touch the light as they go so they can feel safe wherever they are in the home. These lights are also great for extra light while cooking as they are perfect for under hanging cabinets. The best thing is the lights tend to shut off on their own and don’t use up a lot of energy, so your batteries can last quite some time.
6. Fluorescent Lamps
If your home tends to use more light than usual and you can’t find a way around it then you may want to considering installing fluorescent lamps. These lights can usually be found in businesses largely due to the fact that they can light well while stilling saving a whole lot of money on power charges. It might cost you a little bit more than expected to install these lights, but once you’re finished with the initial charges you’ll easily be ready to save some money. When it comes to purchasing bulbs for fluorescent lights you can usually get a very good deal through warehouse and will save even more when you make a bulk purchase. This will help provide you with light for quite some time as the bulbs tend to last longer than the average light bulb. You’ll even notice a change in the way your eyes feel after using the type of lighting.
7. Ceiling Fans
One great solution to lighting in any room is to add a ceiling fan into the mix. Ceiling fans not only save on floor and table space but can illuminate an entire room so you won’t need any other lighting sources. Sometimes it is hard to find a fan with a light on it, but with a little research online you should be able to find a store with the fan you want. Some of these fans can cost as little as $30 and will make the room look incredible once it is installed. The great thing about ceiling fans is they work to complete two jobs in the home. First and foremost they will spread light throughout an average size room. They will also provide a cool breeze during the summer and spread around warm air in the winter. This makes them worth even more money as they will help you save so much by working two jobs efficiently.
8. Dimming Lights
A lot of people really love dimming lights because they so cool. There’s more reasons to considering installing dimming lights in your home though. When you have dimming lights they are able to fluctuate energy so you only spending money on the amount of light you’re actually using. This is perfect for those hallways lights that often get left on at night, as well as the light on the front porch. Of course, dimming lights make a great addition to every room in the home though, as you don’t always need the full power of a bulb. Dimming lights can be relatively expensive to install, but with the mood they set in the home and the amount of money you’ll save on energy you’ll be pretty pleased with the result. Of course, if you don’t want to commit to the full system then you can always find lamps that have the power to dim. This will allow you to use less energy as you enjoy time with the family.
9. Energy Saver
Energy Saver brands have become a huge trend when shopping for electronics, but many people don’t actually realize they can get this amazing quality in their lamps too. It might take a bit of looking and you may even have to order online, but you’ll love having Energy Saver lights in your home. These lights are designed to use less energy than other lamps, which means you won’t have to pay as much to run them. The lights come in a wide range of styles so you won’t have to sacrifice the way your home looks for the lamps to fit in. One great thing about these lamps is they are really great for the environment, so you can be pleased you’re doing your part to clean up the planet. On the other hand, if you have solar power these lamps will help you save on energy so you might actually getting a bigger check at the end of the month from the excess energy you produced.
10. All About the Bulb
If you’re having issues with the amount of energy you’re using or the lack of light you’re receiving then chances are the problem is in your bulb. A simple switch of a light bulb can actually transform the oldest and dullest of lamps into something that you’re excited to display in your home again. There’s a lot of light bulbs out on the market and most of them won’t cost you a whole lot of money. In fact, some of the best light bulbs can be purchased for under $5 if you know where to look. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bill then you can always switch to a dimmer light as it will reduce the cost of your bill significantly. However, if you want to save on your bill while still keeping your room brightly lit then you may want to seek out an energy efficient bulb. This bulbs can be bought at most department stores for a fair price and can last you up to two years of use. These bulbs are great for the environment and will help your home stay bright without forcing you to stress over the bill.
Light is one of the key components in making a home comfortable, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the price of it. With these tips you’ll not only be able to cut down on the energy your home uses, but you’ll always get to enjoy your well lit home at a cost that won’t force you to sacrifice style, comfort or the effect your household as on the environment.
