Increase lighting efficiency to decrease energy bills.
If you replace 25% of your lights in high-use areas with fluorescents, you can save about 50% of your lighting energy bill. Use compact fluorescent bulbs in all the portable table and floor lamps in your home and in ceiling lights where you can.
Energy Star-qualified CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescents and last up to 10 times as long. You will save about $30 over the lifetime of the bulb; CFLs pay for themselves within about 6 months.
LED lighting is the latest energy-saving product. Energy-Star qualified LED lights use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
Energy Star-qualified light fixtures will also save you energy and money. These fixtures use 1/4 the energy of traditional fixtures; bulbs must last at least 10,000 hours. They also distribute light more evenly than traditional fixtures.
In addition to using energy efficient lighting, you can also use less lighting. Shut off lights when you leave the room. Take advantage of daylight by opening drapes during daylight hours; using light-colored curtains on your windows also allows daylight to penetrate the room. | 
