What wastes more energy, having your lights on all day or constantly turning them on and off ?

Answer 1

I've actually worked this one out...

For tungsten globes, you're better off leaving them on if they're going to be off for about 12 milliseconds or less.
For fluoro tubes, this time goes up to about 200 milliseconds.

So basically, turn them off.

Answer 2

The amount of extra current that flows when you turn a light on is very tiny. Leaving lights on is much more wasteful.

On the other hand in cold weather the lights contribute to the overall heating of the room so less energy is needed to run the heater.

Also a light that is turned on and off repeatedly will burn out sooner than one which is left on or off so one needs to consider the energy needed to make the bulbs.

Answer 3

You have to include the cost of replacing a bulb in the analysis, I find that turning a bulb on and off tends to shorten its life.

In winter time, lights help heat the house so its less of a waste, but in hot weather it makes the air conditioner have to work that much harder.

So, there is a seasonal consideration.

Answer 4

turning them on all day wastes more energy but switching them on and off constantly may break the lightbulb and it'll cost you some money so just turn them off to avoid the two

Answer 5

Anything on a 110 circuit, such as lights or whatever you plug into a two prong outlet, has a minimal affect on your energy.

Refrigerators, HVAC systems, water heaters, dryers and ovens are the major energy hogs.

Answer 6

turn them off to save energy

Answer 7

if u blink the lights all day, they will consume more energy than keeping them on all day.

and its obvious that if u switch them off, they'll consume less

Answer 8

Uh...leaving them on?