Little-known switch can save you $200 on your energy bills but you need to look for the logo

According to official figures, the average household can save $200 in energy costs by changing the lighting in their home.

Under President Joe Biden, the Department of Energy (DOE) has encouraged Americans to abandon the use of incandescent light bulbs in favor of more efficient LED bulbs.

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The Department of Energy has even banned the continued sale of incandescent bulbs and other less-used lamps, saying the switch is better for the environment.

However, the DOE also encourages customers to make the switch by appealing to their wallets.

A DOE explainer claims that switching to traditional LED bulbs can save the average home hundreds of dollars.

“The average household can save more than $200 a year by using LED lighting,” claims the department.

The Department of Energy shared other tips for conserving lighting, including adding timers and dimmers.

To get the most bang for their buck, the Department of Energy encourages Americans to buy lightbulbs with the Energy Star logo seal of approval.

LIGHT WARS

While those still using incandescent bulbs are not forced to switch, new buyers legally have no choice but to switch.

The manufacture and sale of lightbulbs are now illegal after President Biden re-implemented a plan originally proposed by President Barack Obama.

President Donald Trump reversed the plan during his tenure.

The political division on the issue could mean that the ban is not intended to last.

If Trump or another Republican is elected in 2024, the ban is likely to be lifted again.

MORE TIPS

In addition to calling for lighting changes, the Department of Energy is issuing a range of advice on how to reduce personal energy spending.

The department has an extensive list of ways Americans can reduce output on one of the biggest household expenses: doing laundry.

An average energy consumption of 769 kilowatt hours (kwh) is caused just for drying laundry.

The actual wash adds an average of 590 kWh.

Basic tips for reducing energy costs associated with laundry facilities include:

• With cold water
• air dry
• Wash full load
• Use a lower heat setting
• Use of dryer balls

Along with these tips, the department is encouraging Americans to buy Energy Star dryers.

Americans can access the full list here.

A change in dishwashing routines can also save money.

And a popular influencer gave several tips for saving energy around the house.