Energy efficiency is on the minds of many consumers. Try these tips to be more efficient in your lighting choices.

• Remember: Less is better. Don’t provide too much light, but just enough to accomplish the task at hand.

• Keep ambient lights on a dimmer, and install as many task lights as needed.

• Replace outdated fixtures, particularly incandescents, with more energy-efficient versions.

• Open the shades and take advantage of any available daylighting.

• Install a fluorescent version if a fixture will be on more than two hours each day.

• Look for an Energy Star label when buying a new fixture.

• Install occupancy sensors and dimmers, if budget allows, to reduce the amount of light used. Dimmers reduce wattage and output while increasing service life, saving energy. In addition, use timers in applications where appropriate, such as outdoor lighting.

• Clean fixtures, lamps, and lights every several months—but only while turned off and cool to the touch.

• Turn off incandescents whenever possible. You’ll lower your cooling bills, too, because that type of light puts out a tremendous amount of heat.

• Turn off a fluorescent light if you’re leaving a room for more than 5–15 minutes, depending on peak demand periods in your area.