Beat High Electricity Prices with Better Light Bulbs

Energy prices in general are going up. Whilst the oil and gas market is extremely volatile, electricity prices will fluctuate. As oil and gas supplies get increasingly rare, it is inevitable that electricity prices will become more expensive.

In order to combat rises in the cost of electricity, there are a number of measures you can take in order to reduce the cost of your utility bills. One of the most important things you can do is address the lighting in your home, which could help you make significant savings when it comes to the amount of electricity you use each month.

Perhaps the biggest single change you can make with lighting in the home is to get rid of standard light bulbs and switch to energy saving light bulbs. The energy saving variety are supremely efficient and, although more expensive initially, will save you a considerable amount of money over time. Energy saving light bulbs only use 20 per cent of the electricity of a normal light bulb - a massive 80 per cent saving! Energy savers also last 10 times as long as a standard light bulb, which will save you having to constantly buy new bulbs and the hassle of replacing bulbs regularly.

It's a common misconception that energy saving light bulbs are extremely expensive. T he cost of each bulb has come down considerably in recent years, and energy efficient bulbs now tend to cost around £3 each. At the current rate of electricity prices, one energy saving bulb could save you as much as £7 a year from your electricity bill, not to mention saving the environment from 26 kilograms of CO2 per year.

When it comes to light fittings, try and keep the number of lights you need to a minimum. One bulb per fitting is optimal as opposed to double or quadruple fittings. If you need more light in a room, opting for a brighter bulb can often be just as effective as having more bulbs in the same fitting. Having fewer bulbs is greener and cheaper for your utility bill.

Of course, one of the best ways of saving energy is not to use electricity at all, and the best way to do that is to switch off your lights as often as you can and make the best use of natural light. Natural light is better for your eyes than artificial light and has the additional bonus of being free. So, especially in the summer months, you can avoid high electricity prices by not relying on your light bulbs too much. Lastly, always switch the light off when you leave the room. It's so simple but can save you a lot of money in the long run.