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Light Your Vacation Home Without Spending a Fortune
Don't be in the dark about these affordable lighting tips. Save on your vacation rental property bills each month.
Properly lighting your vacation rental home can make a room seem larger, provide functional reading light, and enhance the aesthetic appeal. However, neither splendor nor illumination comes cheap.
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The quickest and easiest way to save money is to replace incandescent light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent bulbs. Compared to incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs use 75% less electricity, last 10 times longer, and generate 70% less heat. |
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On a similar note, swap energy-wasting light trees for single three-way bulb lamps. One fluorescent bulb can do the work of an entire tree of incandescent bulbs.
 Throw out (or donate) halogen floor lamps/ torchières. They are a fire hazard, generate enormous amounts of heat, and require oodles of electricity to power.
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Also, it's amazing what a difference a little dusting can do: Regularly clean lampshades, light bulbs, and light fixtures for improved efficiency.
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When computing total energy costs, many vacation rental owners forget to include the cost of outdoor lighting. Natural gas outdoor lamps have risen in popularity in recent years for good reason—they can transform an ordinary backyard into an idyllic respite. What many vacation rental owners don't realize is that the cost to power these lamps is on par with heating their homes. Consider instead installing outdoor lights with a photocell unit or a motion sensor lights. With motion sensitive lights, you can keep the picturesque setting and save money when your guests aren't outside. |
 And lastly, encourage your guests to take advantage of natural (and free) lighting during the day. Install easy-to-open or honeycomb blinds.
© Copyright 2006 HomeAway, Inc.
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