Lighting tips

• Turn off lights when leaving a room for extended periods.  
• Using natural light to brighten rooms on sunny days will save electricity.  
• Choose compact fluorescent bulbs over incandescent bulbs. They have a higher purchase price, but last longer and use less energy.  
• Select the right lighting by using the Color Rendering Index (CRI) and the Kelvin scale. Bulbs with CRI scores close to 100 render color best. Bulbs low on the Kevin scale create light with warm tones, while those high on the Kelvin scale create cool, blue toned light. 
• Check the lumen measure on your bulb. Lumens indicate the bulb’s brightness. Bulbs with a low lumen count provide dimmed light, while those with a high lumen count provide bright, white light. 
• Security lighting with automatic timers or motion sensors provides added safety and energy efficiency. 
• Halogen torchieres generate tangible heat and are a fire hazard when placed near drapes or flammable materials. For safety, move halogen lighting away from drapes and other flammable materials. 
• LEDs and fiber optics provide energy-efficient holiday lighting that boasts more durability and a longer usage span.
  
  (05/31/07)