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Which is cheaper/more efficient: turning on a single light bulb every time you enter a room (low-voltage bulb, 15-40 watts, maybe 4-5 times a night) or keeping a small night light (with the old "Christmas tree light" type bulb) burning? Because I have too much time to think about these things lately, LOL.
What is the wattage of the smaller bulb? It's usually better to turn the 15-40 watt bulb on and off. While it may shorten the bulb life, particularly if it is fluorescent, usually the interval between replacements is longer. What's more, lower risk of accidents with more light. Friend of mine stubbed her toe last week in bad light.
Last edited by pvande55; 03-28-2016 at 06:33 PM..
Reason: Add line
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I have an inexpensive device that will tell you exactly what you need to know and if interested in reducing your electric use/cost is a great investment. It's called "Kill A Watt". You plug it into the wall and plug any electrical device into it, and it meters the kWh used over any period of time, then just compare with the other bulb. I can tell you that in this case there is little reason to research the difference, it's so insignificant. The nightlight would cost you $4.38/year at the average rate of 10 cents/kWh. There are many "electricity hogs" in the home to address for real savings, such as an old refrigerator or freezer.
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