Stop Worrying About Leaving Lights On — Energy Experts Say This Matters More
We all probably have that memory of a parent scolding us about the electric bill for leaving lights on as a kid. It was taught to us all that a lit room is just burning money. But I recently learned that this anxiety is actually based on outdated technology. The rules of energy saving have changed completely in the last decade. It turns out that stressing over a forgotten bathroom light is really not worth your peace of mind anymore. We need to look at the bigger picture.
The Technology Has Completely Changed
We are not using those hot incandescent bulbs from the nineties anymore. Most of us have switched to LED bulbs that are incredibly efficient. An old bulb used sixty watts, but a modern LED uses maybe nine or ten. You could leave an LED bulb running for an entire week and it would cost you less than a dime. The financial impact of forgetting to flip the switch is so small that it is practically a rounding error on your monthly bill.
You Might Be Hurting The Bulb
There is actually a downside to being too aggressive with the light switch. Every time you flick a light on, you send a jolt of electricity through the driver inside the bulb. If you are constantly turning lights off every time you leave a room for two minutes, you are actually wearing out the hardware faster. Experts say that if you are coming back within fifteen minutes it is actually better for the bulb to just leave it on.
The Real Energy Hog Is The Thermostat
If you really want to save money you need to look at your heating and cooling. Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature accounts for a massive chunk of your utility bill compared to lighting. Turning your heat down just one degree in the winter can save you more money in a day than turning off your lights perfectly for a month. Focus your efforts on sealing drafty windows rather than obsessing over a desk lamp.
The Real Energy Vampires
We also often ignore the silent devices that are actually draining our wallets. Things like cable boxes, game consoles, and smart TVs draw power even when they are turned off. This is called a phantom load or vampire power. These devices are often running updates or waiting for a remote signal twenty four hours a day. Unplugging these or putting them on a smart strip will make a much bigger difference than turning off your lights.
Water Habits Cost More
Another area that matters way more than lighting is how you use hot water. Your water heater is likely the second biggest energy user in your home. Taking shorter showers or washing your clothes in cold water saves a huge amount of energy. A single hot water wash cycle uses more electricity than leaving your kitchen lights on for days. Shifting your laundry habits is a much more effective way to be a green homeowner.
Prioritize Safety And Comfort
Sometimes leaving a light on is actually a good thing for safety and mental health. Walking into a dark house can be unsettling and tripping over a shoe in the hallway is not worth the fraction of a penny you saved. Leaving a porch light on or a lamp in the living room can deter burglars and make you feel more welcomed when you get home. It is okay to prioritize your safety over extreme efficiency. Just make sure to unplug any lamps with damaged cords or other safety hazards.
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It is hard to unlearn the habits we were taught as kids, but it is time to stop worrying so much about the light switch. You have bigger things to worry about than a few LED bulbs glowing in the other room. Focus on the big appliances and the thermostat if you want to see a change in your bill. Otherwise, just relax and enjoy a well lit home without the unnecessary stress.
Bliss Donahue-Power
