Lighting: brighten your home, not your bill

Everyday lighting habits that save

Small, repeatable actions add up over months and years.

• Turn lights off when you leave

Always switch lights off when you leave a room, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Modern LEDs and CFLs aren’t harmed by frequent switching in normal home use, so it’s still worth turning them off.

• Use light where you need it

In the evenings, use task lighting, such as a lamp by the sofa or at your desk, instead of turning on every ceiling light in the room.

• Keep shades and fittings clean

Dust and dirt on lampshades and fittings can noticeably reduce light output, which can tempt you to use brighter bulbs than you really need. Gentle cleaning helps you get the most from existing bulbs.

Make the most of natural light

Daylight is free and usually more pleasant than artificial light.

• Position furniture cleverly

Place desks, reading chairs and worktops near windows so you can work, read or study in natural light for as much of the day as possible.

• Avoid blocking windows

Keep large furniture and heavy curtains from covering windows during the day. Open blinds fully where privacy allows to maximise daylight.

• Use pale surfaces to bounce light

Light‑coloured walls, ceilings and furnishings help reflect daylight deeper into a room, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Choose efficient bulbs: LEDs over older types

The type of bulb you use has a major impact on your electricity use.

• Why LEDs are better

Residential LED bulbs typically use around 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also use significantly less energy than halogens for the same light output.

• Replace halogen and incandescent bulbs

When older bulbs fail, replace them with LEDs rather than like‑for‑like halogen or incandescent bulbs. Upgrading the most‑used fittings, such as kitchen, hall and living room lights, can deliver the biggest savings.

• Think in lumens, not watts

With LEDs, lumens measure brightness and watts measure energy use. For example, if you previously used a 60 W incandescent bulb, look for an LED of around 700-800 lumens, typically using about 8-10 W.

• Pick a suitable colour temperature

Choose warm white (around 2700-3000 K) for living rooms and bedrooms for a cosy feel. Use neutral or cool white (around 4000-5000 K) where you need clarity, such as kitchens, bathrooms or workspaces.

Smart controls and sensors

Simple controls help ensure lights are only on when needed.

• Timers and schedules

Use plug‑in timers or smart switches to control lamps you often forget, such as hallway or porch lights, so they switch off automatically.

• Motion and dusk‑to‑dawn sensors outdoors

For outdoor security lighting, fit motion sensors or dusk‑to‑dawn sensors so lights turn on only when someone is present or when it’s genuinely dark. Combining sensors with LEDs keeps electricity use low.

• Smart bulbs and dimmers

Smart bulbs and dimmer switches let you adjust brightness to suit the task, reducing energy use when full brightness isn’t needed. Many systems also allow schedules and remote control via an app, helping avoid lights being left on accidentally.

Room‑by‑room lighting ideas

Tuning lighting to each room helps balance comfort and efficiency.

• Living room

Use a main LED ceiling light with floor or table lamps for reading, rather than multiple high‑wattage fittings. Choose warm white LEDs and dimmable bulbs where fittings allow.

• Kitchen

Use bright, efficient LEDs over worktops and the hob so you can see clearly when cooking. Under‑cabinet LED strips or spotlights provide focused task lighting without needing full room lighting all the time.

• Bedrooms

Fit lower‑brightness warm LEDs in bedside lamps so you don’t need to turn on a bright ceiling light if someone is sleeping. Use efficient bulbs in children’s rooms, especially for lamps or night lights that stay on for long periods.

• Hallways and stairs

Use LED bulbs in fittings that are on often for safety. Consider motion sensors or timers in areas where lights are frequently left on.

• Bathrooms

Use suitable IP‑rated fittings with efficient LEDs for safety and longevity. If you have mirror lights or cabinets with integrated lighting, choose models with built‑in LEDs and switch them off immediately after use.

Extra resources

For more tips visit our energy saving tips page. For practical, up‑to‑date advice on saving energy across your home, you can visit these trusted public sources:

If you live in the Republic of Ireland

• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for guidance, tools and grants to help you save energy at home.
• RTÉ Lifestyle for practical articles on energy and everyday living.

If you live in Northern Ireland

• NI Direct for information on energy advice and grants in your area.
• NI Housing Executive for practical tips to help you save energy and money.

Consumer Council for Northern Ireland for independent advice on reducing energy use and costs.