Save energy, money and the environment with the right lighbulbs

Lighting can account for up to 21 per cent of your electricity bill. Don’t be kept in the dark when it comes to lighting efficiency. With the right bulb you can save energy and money.

What are your choices when it comes to light bulbs? Here are the three main ones.

These are the bulbs you’ve probably been buying and using for a long time.

• Standard and traditional, this type of bulb produces electricity and light through a wire. They are the least energy-efficient bulbs on the market.
• In some provinces, government regulations have made these harder and harder to find.

Familiar to the eye, you’ll recognise these quickly from their shape -- a glass spring-like form.

• Using 75 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs, they last five to 10 times longer.
• A good choice for long-lasting lighting.
• They come in several different styles that can provide either a warm or cool light.

Smaller yet extremely energy efficient, LED bulbs also use about 75 per cent less power than incandescent bulbs.

• Their unique selling feature is that they can last up to 25 years.

Use LED lights to decorate the outside of your home during the holidays.

• Doing so could reduce your outdoor energy use by up to 90 per cent.

Throughout the year, make the most of day light.

• Draw up the blinds and open your curtains.
• Turn off lights, dimmer switches and motion sensors if they’re not necessary.
• Also, look for the ENERGY STAR® logo when you buy appliances to make sure they're efficient.

*Not only is it dangerous, it may even be illegal in some provinces, such as Québec, to do your own electrical wiring. The solution: consider hiring a master electrician.