As temperatures go up during the summer, your electric bills might also spike. Longer daylight hours and increased air conditioning use add up, but many homeowners overlook a basic yet powerful source of potential savings: lighting. Adopting efficient habits and upgrading your home to smart lighting can reduce your household energy consumption and monthly utility bills. Learn how to make the most of smart summer lighting.
Switch to LED Bulbs
Conventional halogen and incandescent bulbs waste a significant amount of their energy by producing heat. This increases your home’s cooling costs and makes your home warmer in the process. LED bulbs consume as little as 25% of the energy of traditional bulbs, and they last substantially longer. During the summer, they can keep your home cooler while minimizing the amount of electricity you use for illumination.
Automate With Smart Lighting Systems
A smart lighting system is something you can dim, schedule, and control remotely using a voice assistant or smartphone. Set the interior lights of your home to activate only as needed or to turn off automatically during daylight hours. Motion sensors can keep lights from staying on in empty rooms. In time, minor adjustments can make a noticeable difference in your electricity bills.
Make Use of Natural Light
Maximize natural sunlight to take advantage of the longer summer days. Use sheer curtains, or open your blinds to let in the daylight. This reduces the amount of artificial lighting you’ll need during the day. You can also rearrange the furniture to maximize light exposure and naturally brighten your home.
Use Smart Outdoor Lighting Wisely
Outdoor lighting improves curb appeal and safety. However, if you don’t manage it carefully, it can use a lot of electricity. Motion-sensor or solar-powered lights around your property help mitigate energy waste. Program smart outdoor lighting systems to activate only when necessary, balancing security and ambience with energy conservation.
Adjust Lighting Scenes for Seasonal Needs
Smart lighting systems often feature customizable presets called “scenes.” Program a “Summer Evening” preset scene using dimmer lights or fewer overall bulbs. Not only will this save energy, but it will also provide a relaxed evening atmosphere that your family and guests can enjoy.
Making a Few Changes Can Mean Significant Savings
Smart summer lighting can dramatically reduce your electricity usage. It’s practical and doesn’t require much effort when you want to keep utility bills under control without sacrificing comfort, style, or convenience. If you live in the Florida panhandle or central Georgia, reach out to We Care Heating & Air Conditioning for effective lighting options and services you can rely on.
