Conserving energy hinges on cultivating minor, persistent routines combined with the deployment of advanced technology. Opt for LED bulbs instead of traditional incandescents. Whenever feasible, select solar or rechargeable alternatives. Incorporate smart gadgets such as motion sensors, programmed schedules, and remote controls.
Throughout our childhoods, we were repeatedly reminded by our parents to “turn off the lights when you exit the room!” This became a familiar household adage from parents who were mindful of energy conservation, aiming to reduce expenses and instill a sense of worth. Yet, with the advent of LED lighting and smart home technology, some may ponder whether flicking a switch still makes a difference today (and ever did)?
Experts assert that the answer hinges on the type of lighting, the duration the lights remain on, and whether smart systems are in place. In an era of programmable thermostats, motion sensors, and LED advancements, the age-old ritual of manually turning off lights requires a more refined approach. Here are some crucial factors to consider.
Gentry Ewing serves as the director of strategic affairs at Rayburn Electric Cooperative, while Joshua Roberson holds the role of national sales director at JascoPro, a lighting solutions company based in Oklahoma City.
The timing of when to turn off the lights is a pivotal factor in assessing whether it ultimately conserves energy. “Leaving lights on might not seem significant at the time, but it accumulates over time—especially across multiple rooms,” explains Gentry Ewing of Rayburn Electric Cooperative. “Energy efficiency isn’t about dramatic changes; it’s about consistent, small habits.” He emphasizes that flipping a switch when leaving a room can indeed make a difference.
Joshua Roberson of JascoPro, a lighting solutions company in Oklahoma City, adds, “Even if you’re only leaving a room for a few minutes, it’s still a good practice to turn off the lights—especially without relying on smart automation.” Smart switches, automated areas, and apps can allow homeowners to schedule lights to dim or turn off automatically, minimizing reliance on memory.
The kind of bulb in use significantly impacts whether turning off lights is necessary. “Switching off lights when leaving a room can conserve energy, but with modern LED lighting, the savings are often minimal—especially when compared to older incandescent or halogen bulbs. Today’s lighting is highly efficient, and as many states are phasing out incandescent bulbs, the energy impact of leaving LEDs on briefly is far less than it used to be,” Roberson says. Yet, every bit of energy counts, especially in homes with numerous lamps, lights, and lanterns.
Ewing notes that although LED bulbs consume less energy than older bulbs, they still require power to operate. “LEDs use less power than older bulbs, but they’re not zero-energy. If they’re on all day, that’s wasted energy. The good news is that LEDs are durable and can withstand frequent on-off cycles, so you won’t wear them out by turning them on and off. They’re designed for that.”
The question of whether to turn lights off is no longer solely about saving money, though that can still be a driving factor. Today’s lighting solutions extend beyond merely lowering utility bills. Many homes now employ renewable energy sources like solar or rechargeable options, cutting down on traditional energy costs. Additionally, energy costs can fluctuate based on the time of day or peak usage, which can be difficult to predict and calculate. For those contemplating whether flipping the switch will save money, most individuals don’t notice a change in their wallets.
There may be more significant reasons to keep the lights on, with safety being the paramount one. Ewing asserts, “Porch lights, stairway lighting, or outdoor motion sensors play a critical role after dark. But for everything else, there’s no need to leave lights on if they’re not in use.”
Some individuals leave indoor lights on when they’re away for extended periods, hoping to deter potential intruders. It may be more effective to arm the alarm and activate security cameras instead. Alternatively, enlisting a friend or house sitter to visit regularly and turn on lights in various areas of the home could be a better strategy.
Nonetheless, leaving lights on can offer safety benefits that can outweigh immediate costs.
For many, whether to turn lights on or off is a matter of principle or habit. In larger homes or multi-generational living spaces, there are various methods to mitigate conflicts over differing household lighting norms. Smart systems and automations can eliminate the guesswork surrounding when to turn switches.
Roberson clarifies that tools like motion sensors, scheduled routines, and mobile controls can be even more effective than manually turning off lights. Tailoring lighting to actual usage and planned schedules is possible. For example, setting hallway or kitchen lights to activate upon movement or creating a routine that gradually dims bedroom lights to aid in relaxation are examples of such systems. These systems not only support comfort and conservation but also remove the need for memory recall.
For outdoor lighting, motion-activated or timer-based systems can ensure proper illumination as needed. Incorporating efficiency into the traditional practice of turning off lights ensures that lighting aligns with our contemporary, ever-evolving living environments.
