Saving money is always in style. You can save regularly by developing good habits regarding your lighting use. You hurry into a room, flip on the light switch, grab something you need then leave the room. Should you leave the light on if you plan to return shortly ?

That depends on the bulb type and how long before you will need the light again. If the bulb is a fluorescent type, leave it on if you will need it again within 20 minutes. If the bulb is an incandescent bulb, turn it off when not in use for over a few minutes.

This is based upon the fact that incandescent bulb life is not significantly effected by turning it on/off whereas the fluorescent bulb life is reduced each time it is turned on. Additionally, repeated starting of fluorescent ballasts reduces the fluorescent life span as well as uses more energy.

Use the above information in planning the lighting fixtures for your home or office. If you need a light source in a room which will mostly be used sporadically or for short periods of time then you should consider an incandescent style because it will be more economical. Closets, storage spaces and similar areas are perfect candidates for incandescent lighting.

- Jim Hoyle

Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp Outlet - North Carolina's Most Exclusive Unique Lamps and Lamp Shades. Jim designs and manufactures fine cast metal table lamps and floor lamps and collects, sells, repairs, restores and appraises antique lamps from special acquisitions and estates worldwide. His company also specializes in lamp and home decor factory buyouts and warehouse closings. All comments and questions are answered personally. His company's website contains a wealth of free information about lamps and lighting: www.hoylelamps.com.

Visit his store personally at 2233 East Main Street, Lincolnton, North Carolina about 25 minutes from Charlotte. We do everything for lamps and chandeliers - buy, sell, repair, restore, rewire, refinish, lamp appraisals.