Will I save energy by leaving the light on for an hour, or turn it off, then turn it back on in an hour?

Question

What is more economical? I've heard it takes more energy turning a light on and off, and it would be better just leaving it on. Is there a rule of thumb?

Answer 1

Rule of thumb is, If you are not using the light turn it off.

Answer 2

Somebody hasn't read Fundemental Laws of Physics. Al Gore and the UN don't have to make a law forcing people to bow before Zod... I mean AGW; physics already has. Law of conservation of energy: "Energy can not be created or destroyed, it can only change form." Meaning that you can't save energy, FYI the power plant makes the same amount of power. You turning off one lightbulb makes no difference.

Answer 3

No, it is better to turn the light off because you are charged per kilo watt hour. You are not getting charged extra when you initally turn it on.

Answer 4

Yes, turn off the light. Every little bit counts!!!!!!!!!! Save as much energy and money.

Answer 5

Turn it off if not in sight. Buy those special energy saver light bulbs too. I have lowered my electric bill using them. They also last a long time. They are costly but worth it.

Answer 6

No.

Don't put your thumb there! It will get all brown and stinky.

Answer 7

That is just a popular myth. It does NOT take more energy to turn on a light than to just leave it on. It ALWAYS saves energy to turn it off, even for 1 minute. But turning a light on and off all the time does shorten the life of the bulb, especially fluorescent bulbs, causing them to burn out sooner. So you may save energy but if your bulbs burn out too fast you may not save money.

Answer 8

They tested this on Myth Busters and found that you save more by turning it off every time you're not using it, even it's it's only for a second!!!