A few changes in the lighting around the house can help cut a homeowner’s electric bill. Switching to an energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb is one way, and here are some other tips that can help:

¢ Look for the “Energy Star” label when purchasing lighting. This indicates the product is power saving.

¢ Turn off lights in any unoccupied room, or consider installing timers or photocells to reduce the amount of time lights stay on.

¢ Use task lighting, which focuses light on a specific place, such as by the bed. Use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops under cabinets.

¢ Consider three-way lamps, which make it easier to keep lighting levels low when brighter light is not necessary.

¢ Use 4-foot fluorescent fixtures with reflective backing and electronic ballasts for a workroom, garage and laundry areas.

¢ Consider using 4-watt mini-fluorescent or electro-luminescent night-lights. These lights are more efficient than their incandescent counterparts. Luminescent lights are cool to the touch.

¢ Use compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in all the portable table and floor lamps in your home. Consider carefully the size and fit of these systems when selecting them. Some home fixtures may not accommodate larger CFLs.

¢ Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.