LED bulbs use much less electricity than old incandescent bulbs and last far longer. You don't need to replace every bulb in the house at once. Start with the lights that are on the most, such as the kitchen, living room, porch and any fixtures left on overnight.

When shopping, compare bulbs by brightness in lumens rather than watts, and look at the color temperature on the package. Warmer tones feel softer and closer to traditional bulbs, while cooler tones look brighter and whiter. If a fixture uses a dimmer switch, choose bulbs labeled as dimmable to avoid flickering or buzzing.

Some utilities offer discounted bulbs or rebates, so check your provider's website before buying. Pair new bulbs with simple habits like turning off lights in empty rooms and using natural daylight when you can. Motion sensors or timers on outdoor and closet lights can also keep bulbs from burning all night.