Lighting - Which costs more?

Question

Does it cost more to use the main house light, or to plug in a lamp - both using the same watt bulb?

Answer 1

not sure i think the main light, or same

Answer 2

it depends on how its wired, but in theory it should be cheaper to use the main light.

Answer 3

it's the same.

Answer 4

If its the same wattage, it will cost the same to use. However if you use a table light or task light close to what you are doing you can reduce the wattage and get the same light on your book or whatever.

In VERY simple terms a 150 watt lamp shining on a book from 12 feet away will not be as bright (on the book) as a 60 watt lamp from 3 feet away. This is not exact, as a lot of other factors such as type of lamp/shade/luminaire/ room reflectance etc come into it, but I think you will get the picture.

Answer 5

they are the same , but use a fluorescent bulb to save electricity.

Answer 6

Same bulb = same consumption

Answer 7

If they're the same wattage, they use the same amount of electricity unless one's a fluorescent - they take more energy to actually start.

Answer 8

the same watt bulb then it will cost the same,!!

Answer 9

Same power bulb, same cost to run.