Energy Efficient Lighting makes a bigger impact on your electric bill than most homeowners realize. If you’re still using older bulbs and fixtures, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars a year, without even knowing it.
At Prime Electric, we help Sacramento homeowners make smart lighting upgrades that boost comfort, reduce costs, and last for years.
Here are the five best energy-efficient lighting options (plus practical tips) to help you lower your power bill, starting today.
LED Lights
What are LED lights?
LED stands for light-emitting diode. These bulbs create light using a tiny semiconductor instead of a heated filament, making them far more efficient than older technologies like incandescents or halogens.
Why choose LEDs
- Energy savings up to 90% over traditional bulbs
- Long lifespan—often 10+ years per bulb
- Instant full brightness (no warm-up time)
- Cooler to the touch = less heat in your home
Unlike compact fluorescents (CFLs), LEDs contain no mercury, making them safer and easier to dispose of.
Where to use LEDs
Anywhere you currently use a bulb.
That means:
- Kitchen recessed lights
- Living room lamps
- Bathroom vanities
- Garage and outdoor security lights
- Office task lighting
- Ceiling fans
Want to start small? Begin with the most-used lights in your home, especially those left on for hours a day.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
What are CFLs?
CFLs are spiral-shaped bulbs that use fluorescent gas to produce light. They’re more efficient than incandescents, but less so than LEDs.
They were once the go-to energy-saving bulb, though most homeowners today are moving toward LEDs due to performance and environmental concerns.
Benefits of CFLs
- 75% less energy than incandescent
- Lower cost than many LED bulbs
- Lasts 8,000–10,000 hours
- Available in multiple shapes and sizes
Ideal uses for CFLs
- Table lamps
- Wall sconces
- Areas where soft, diffused light is preferred
- Rooms where bulbs aren’t turned on and off frequently (frequent switching can reduce lifespan)
While CFLs aren’t obsolete, we recommend choosing LEDs unless budget constraints make CFLs a better short-term fit.
Smart Lighting
What makes lighting smart?
Smart lighting goes beyond saving energy, it gives you full control over brightness, color, and schedule.
With smart bulbs or switches, you can control your home’s lighting from your phone or voice assistant, set automated schedules, and even simulate occupancy when you’re away.
Key features
- Voice + app control (Google, Alexa, etc.)
- Scheduling and automation
- Dimming + color temperature control
- Integration with other smart home tech
Areas to install smart lighting
- Entryways and porches (motion detection or auto-on at dusk)
- Bedrooms and bathrooms (gradual dimming for sleep)
- Home offices (adjustable brightness and color)
- Living rooms (scenes for movie night or entertaining)
Want to add smart lighting without replacing fixtures? Start with smart plugs or bulbs, they work with most standard lamps.
Solar Powered Lighting
Harnessing the power of the sun
Solar lighting uses built-in panels to convert sunlight into electricity. That energy gets stored in a battery and powers the light at night.
No wires. No electric bill. Just renewable, off-grid illumination.
Advantages of solar lighting
- Zero energy cost
- Easy to install, no trenching or wiring
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Low maintenance
Best applications
- Outdoor walkways
- Garden accents
- Fence or deck lighting
- Security flood lights (with motion detection)
- Driveway edge markers
In sunny Sacramento, solar lighting makes sense. Just make sure your panels get 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day for best results.
Energy Saving Tips for Lighting
Upgrading your bulbs is a great first step. But how you use lighting matters just as much.
Here are 5 steps to maximize your lighting efficiency:
- Use task lighting. Instead of lighting the whole room, light only the area you’re using.
- Install dimmer switches. Adjust brightness based on time of day or task.
- Add occupancy sensors. Lights turn off when no one’s in the room.
- Open the blinds. Use natural daylight when possible.
- Turn off the lights. Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget, especially in hallways and bathrooms.
Bonus tip: Replace older fixtures with LED-compatible models that allow for better airflow and longer bulb life.
Why Choose Prime Electric?
We’re not just here to install a few new lights and leave. At Prime Electric, we take the time to:
- Audit your current lighting setup
- Recommend tailored solutions based on your home and usage
- Install and configure smart controls
- Ensure full code compliance and safety
- Help you understand and maximize utility rebates (yes, they’re out there)
Our electricians are licensed, insured, and Sacramento-based, so we know the climate, the codes, and the homes.
Discover the Prime Electric Difference
Energy efficiency doesn’t have to mean compromise. With the right lighting, you can save money, improve comfort, and boost your home’s value, all while using less energy.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade a few fixtures or tackle a full lighting overhaul, Prime Electric is here to help.
Ready to brighten your home and lower your electric bill?
Contact Prime Electric today for a consultation.