• De-lamp overlit areas. In overlit areas, some fluorescent and/or incandescent lamps should be removed to reduce electricity use. In many areas, illumination levels can be reduced by as much as 50 percent while still satisfying minimum lighting requirements. General guidelines for de-lamping fluorescent lamps are: for two-lamp fixtures, remove one lamp in each fixture or both tubes in alternate fixtures; for three-lamp fixtures, remove the lamp in the middle; for four-lamp fixtures, the ballast associated with the two inner tubes should be disconnected. Incandescent lamps can be removed wherever minimum lighting levels still can be maintained without them. Any de-lamping should maintain minimum light levels as required by code and security requirements.
  
  
• Keep energy-efficient lamps in stock for replacement. Once efficient lighting is installed, maintenance staff need to ensure that these types of lamps are in stock to avoid re-installation of less-efficient lamps. Where cost-effective, energy-saving fluorescent lamps should replace standard incandescent lamps.
   
• Clean lighting fixtures. Lamps, fixtures, reflectors, and diffusers should be regularly cleaned because dirty lighting fixtures transmit less light, decreasing lighting efficacy. Caution should be exercised when cleaning all electrical fixtures. The current should be turned off before cleaning fixtures, and fixtures should be thoroughly dry before turning the current back on. Wiring and connections should not be disturbed.
  
• Clean or paint walls. Walls should be kept clean to maximize the brightness of a room. When new paint is needed, a non-glossy white paint should be selected.
   
• Check timers on exterior lighting. Timers on exterior lighting should be checked to ensure they are set properly and that the time is set correctly.

For more ways to reduce energy costs, see PHECC's Energy Conservation Measures.