Have you ever looked at the quaint old light in the garage or basement that was installed years before you moved into your home and wondered if using an older light fixture might be the reason your energy costs are so high? Can an old light fixture raise home electrical bills?
The answer is yes, outdated light fixtures can significantly increase your home energy costs. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why, and then we’ll look at a few solutions to get your home’s energy usage and spending back to the right amount.
Examples of Outdated Lighting Fixtures
When we say “outdated” lighting fixtures, this includes (but is not limited to):
- Ones that use incandescent bulbs
- Older chandeliers designed to look more expensive than they actually were
- Fluorescent tube lights
Of these, incandescent bulbs may be the biggest culprits. They cost a little more to buy (roughly $10 each compared to $2 for incandescents), but they use 25 times less electricity and can last 50 to 75 times longer, representing a significant savings in the long term.
Why Outdated Light Fixtures Increase Energy Costs
There are several reasons why older, outdated light fixtures can cause a home’s energy bill to spike or, at least, be consistently higher than is necessary. Let’s look at a few of the most important:
Older Technology Means Higher Energy Consumption
In the same way that computers made in the 1970s took up entire rooms while newer ones can fit in the palm of your hand, lighting technology has come a long way over the past few years. Recent innovations have made these fixtures more energy efficient over time, which means older fixtures do not benefit from these innovations.
Bad or Outdated Wiring
Another issue that many people might not realize is that older fixtures often use old or outdated wiring. Faulty wiring can lead to higher energy bills by drawing more electricity than the fixture needs, but this can also lead to that electricity leaving the circuit or overheating, which can lead to a fire.
Lack of Smart Light Features
Smart lighting can save you a lot of money over time with features like automation, dimming, and more. Some older fixtures, especially those with incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, aren’t compatible with smart features, which means you’re inherently “locked in” to higher prices.
Phantom Energy Loss
Some older units have dimmers, ballasts, or other features that aren’t used or don’t work anymore, but still draw energy. You end up paying higher energy bills for features you don’t use because of the older fixture’s design.
Warning Signs that Older Fixtures Must Be Replaced Immediately
There are a few signs that your older fixtures are using too much energy, which can cause increased bills, overheating, home fires, and more. These include:
- Weird “buzzing” or “humming” sounds coming from the light
- Flickering or dimming lights, especially in bulbs you’ve already recently replaced
- Lights radiate more heat than normal
- Visible corrosion, cracks, or damage to the fixture or the electrical outlet it’s plugged into
- Bulbs that burn out more frequently than they should
These can be signs of serious electrical issues with your older lighting fixture. If one of these applies, it might be time for an inspection. If more than one applies to the same fixture, turn it off immediately and get a professional inspection.
What to Do About Outdated Light Fixtures
First, any incandescent or “old-style” lightbulbs should be replaced with energy-efficient LED models. You may also need to replace the entire fixture, especially if it’s more than 10 or 15 years old.
Modern smart lighting, like the kind that uses an app or control panel, often includes dimmers, automation options, motion sensors, and more that can significantly reduce your overall energy bill.
Sometimes the wiring is faulty or no longer in compliance with modern building codes. In these cases, it’s recommended to get an inspection from certified professional electricians who can make sure everything’s wired properly.
When to Call the Professionals and How They Can Help
Speaking of which, your next question is probably, “Can I do this myself, or should I call the professionals?” If you have experience working with electricity and feel comfortable, you may be able to do some DIY repairs.
However, in most cases, it’s recommended to call professional electricians. The risk of electrocution or starting a fire is simply too high and not worth the potential cost savings. Saving a couple of hundred dollars might sound nice, but you could also end up causing thousands of dollars in damages or serious injury.
A professional electrician can inspect your home’s lighting fixtures and wiring to make sure everything’s up to code, installed correctly, and running as efficiently as possible to keep your energy bills as low as they should be. They can also help you look at smart lighting fixtures, special wiring, and systems that can reduce your energy costs even further.
Replace Your Outdated Fixtures in Niceville, Florida, with Mister Sparky
If it’s time for you to update your home’s light fixtures in Niceville, Florida, or the surrounding area, don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky! At Mister Sparky of Niceville, our electrical experts can modernize your home’s electrical setup and start saving you money on your monthly energy bill.
Whether you need a home inspection to check lighting or wiring, know which fixtures need to be replaced, want smart lighting installed, need any special wiring, or have any other lighting or electrical issue, the electricians at Mister Sparky have you covered.
Give us a call at 833-226-5252 or click the “Book Now” button at the top of this page to book your home electrical inspection with Mister Sparky today!
