We talk to many people about their power bills and how they can reduce them. It is often quite easy to reduce your power bill by making simple changes around your home and changing some of your habits. Here are some tips on lights in your home to save you money:

• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• There are many instances where lights are left on in an unused area. There are several ways you can ensure the lights switch themselves off. Talk to us about motion detectors or timers. 
• Use LED  or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL)  rather than incandescent lamps where possible. LED's use up to 85% less energy and CFLs  up to 70% less than incandescent lamps of similar output and are very efficient..
• LED and Fluorescent lamps are becoming much cheaper to purchase and can last up to 10 times longer than incandescent lamps.
• You can now use LED tubes to replace your fluorescent tubes. LED tubes cost more upfront but in high use areas can pay themselves off through energy savings within a couple of years or less - and they last a very long time.
• Don’t leave outdoor lights on all night or during the day. Install timing devices, light sensors or movement detectors for outside use.
• Make use of natural light by positioning desks, tables & seating near windows.
• Use the lowest wattage light needed to adequately light up an area.
• Choose light fittings that allow most of the light through so a lower wattage bulb can be used. Some light fittings can block 50% or more of the light.
• Clean light fittings regularly to allow more light to pass through. 
• Downlights provide bright pools of light rather than general illumination. Up to six downlights may be required to light the same area as one pendant light. They can also cause gaps in the ceiling insulation, particularly if they require clear space to allow heat to dissipate.
• Think about other ways of lighting with LED's or fluorescents before installing halogens. If you really want to  select halogen lamps, you can still save some energy by fitting lower wattage and more efficient bulbs.
• Light coloured paint and furnishings reflect light, reducing the need for high levels of artificial lighting.

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