Installing efficient lighting controls is one of the simplest ways to reduce lighting energy costs. When lights are left on unnecessarily, or areas are lighted excessively, energy costs increase. In many homes, outdoor security lights account for a large portion of overall lighting energy costs, and are often left on when not needed. Each hour that an unneeded light operates represents unnecessary expense. The controls described below can help minimize unnecessary use of lighting.

Occupancy sensors are an ideal type of control for indoor lighting, particularly in intermittent use areas. They sense either movement or heat, and automatically turn off the lights when the occupant leaves the room.

Motion sensors are a good choice for outdoor security lighting. A motion sensor turns the lights on only when movement is detected. Once any movement has stopped (lapse time is adjustable), the detector switches the lights off.

Photocells sense existing light and turn electric lights on when natural light levels are low; off when light levels are higher. They are especially good for controlling outdoor area or decorative lighting, allowing the outdoor lighting system to adjust to changing seasons. If exterior lighting is needed for only a portion of the night, a photocell can be used to turn lighting on and a time clock to turn it off. Some photocells have delay mechanisms to prevent temporary cloud cover from turning the lights on.