Position lamps to make the most of their light. For instance, you will not need to light up the whole room if you have a lamp by your reading chair or at your desk. Consider purchasing light-colored furnishings, curtains, and rugs, rather than dark, because they reflect light and reduce the amount of artificial light needed in a room. Fluorescent lights are five times more efficient and last up to 20 times longer. Compact fluorescent lights are now available that provide light quality that is similar to that of incandescent lights.
Styles are available that fit into most common incandescent fixtures.
They cost more to buy than incandescent bulbs, but you can always take them with you when you move. If you do use incandescent lights, use low wattage light bulbs when you need only a small amount of light. When you need a larger amount of light, however, use a higher wattage bulb rather than two or more lower wattage bulbs. The efficiency of incandescent bulbs increases as wattage increases. Control your lighting with dimmers or timers.