If you are thinking about purchasing new lighting fixtures or bulbs, look for the ENERGY STAR label.Bulbs and fixtures bearing the ENERGY STAR label are the most energy efficient models on the market and will save energy, save money, and help the environment.

Turn off lights. This energy saving measure has been around since Edison first turned a light on, and it's as effective as ever. Keep in mind that a typical light bulb kept on 24 hours per day will cost you about $75.00 each year. Try motion sensors that turn lights off automatically when everyone leaves a room.

Timers that automatically turn lights on and off can reduce your energy use and at the same time increase safety by making a house seem occupied even when people are away.

Keep fixtures and bulbs clean. Dirt, along with being unsightly, can absorb as much as 50% of the light.

Consider the cost of lighting your home. Do you realize that the money you spend on light bulbs is probably only 5-10% of the total cost? The other 90-95% is the cost ofelectricity to run those bulbs. That's why you should look for more efficient rather than cheaper light bulbs, and that's why compact fluorescent lights are so appealing.

Use one bulb instead of multiple bulbs whenever possible. A single 100 watt incandescent bulb produces the same amount of light as two 60 watt bulbs and it uses 20% less energy.

Do you have light bulbs that are difficult to get to and a real pain to change? Long-life incandescent bulbs last two to three times longer than a standard bulb and compact fluorescent lamps last up to ten times longer.

Light colored walls and surfaces reflect light while dark colors absorb light. The same light fixture in two different rooms will provide different levels of light on a reading surface.

Translucent lamp shades provide more light to a room than solid colored shades.

Use daylight whenever possible, rather than turning on redundant overhead lighting.

Use dimmers or three-way incandescent bulbs to control the amount of light that you need in a room. Dimming the lights to half the illumination cuts energy consumption almost in half.

Turn off lights when nobody is home. You can use a timer to ensure that you don't forget to do so.

Instead of elaborate outside lighting, try accenting walkways and drives. This will save energy and provide safe light for people walking in hazardous winter conditions.

When unplugging lights, always pull on the plug and not the chord. Over time pulling on the chord will damage it and create a hazard.

That halogen torchiere was cheap and attractive; but did you know you could be spending 2-3 times the purchase price PER YEAR in electricity costs, while the lamps have been shown to befire hazards? A compact fluorescent torchiere is safe, and can save over $30 per year in electricity costs.