Lighting accounts for about 10 percent of the average
home’s electric bill.

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Oct. 6, 2016) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) wants you to remember the following light bulb facts when shopping for your home or office.

Consumers have multiple choices to reduce lighting costs by using bulbs that are just as bright but require less than one-third the amount of electricity. Compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are available as energy efficient lighting options.

Consider these facts the next time you are shopping for light bulbs:

• CFL bulbs use about 70 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times as long.
• CFL bulbs work best when the light is turned on for at least 15 minutes. Frequently switching on and off a CFL shortens the bulb’s lifetime.
• Because CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, consumers should take special care to dispose of them properly.
• LED bulbs are the most energy efficient bulbs available and use up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• LED bulbs do not burn out or fail, instead, the light created decreases over time.
• Use ENERGYSTAR® qualified light bulbs where possible for durability, color quality and light output.

For more information on utility-related matters and energy conservation tips, visit www.PUCO.ohio.gov.