Does Turning Off Lights Actually Save You Money?

Oh, the sweet nostalgia of parental nagging: “Don’t waste electricity!” As kids, we rolled our eyes, but now, as bill-paying adults, we get it. But does flipping that light switch when you leave the room actually make a dent in your electricity bill? Let’s break it down.​

The Cold, Hard Facts

Leaving lights on when they’re not needed is like setting your money on fire—dramatic, wasteful, and frankly, not as fun as it sounds. The U.S. Department of Energy advises that incandescent bulbs should be turned off whenever they’re not in use, as 90% of their energy goes to heat, not light. ​(U.S. Department of Energy)

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are a bit more high-maintenance. Turning them on and off frequently can shorten their lifespan. The rule of thumb here is: if you’re leaving the room for more than 15 minutes, turn them off; otherwise, let them be.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are the overachievers. They’re energy-efficient and not bothered by your indecisiveness with the switch. So, turning them off when not needed is a no-brainer for saving energy. (​U.S. Department of Energy)

Show Me the Money

Now, let’s talk savings. Say you have five incandescent bulbs, each using 60 watts, and you leave them on for 10 hours a day. That’s 300 watts per hour, or 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) daily. At an average rate of 13 cents per kWh, you’re looking at about 39 cents a day, or roughly $12 a month. Switching them off when not in use could keep that cash in your pocket.

One Reddit user shared their experience: by diligently turning off unused lights and appliances, they projected a monthly saving of $64 during winter. (​Reddit)

Beyond the Switch

While turning off lights is a good start, it’s not a golden ticket to slashing your energy bill. Other culprits, like “vampire appliances”—devices that suck power even when off—can account for up to 20% of your electricity usage. Unplugging these can lead to more significant savings. ​(The US Sun)

The Bottom Line

Your parents were onto something: not wasting electricity is both environmentally friendly and economically savvy. While turning off lights when leaving a room does save energy, the amount varies based on bulb type and usage habits. Combining this practice with other energy-saving measures will yield the best results for your wallet and the planet.