Does a multi-bulb light fixture use less energy if only one bulb is screwed in?
Question:For example: a ceilling fan has 4 lights but only one is screwed in enough to light up. Does energy still flow to the unscrewed bulbs? And if it does, does it make enough a difference to even matter?
Answers:
It absolutely uses less energy. The lit bulbs are what you're paying for (well, the motor turning, too, but each bulbs wattage is what you're paying for)
It does make a difference.
The current flows through only the bulb that is completing a circuit.
The electricity is turned into heat (by resistance), and the byproduct is light.
So, if the light is not on, it is not consuming electricity.
As far as money goes, you will save. It may be a small amount, but you wil save.
My husband is an electrician...he said if you have 1 in...then you will use less energy...but really don't make enough difference.he suggests using a 40 watt bulb in all of them
The answer is yes - it uses less energy. If the other bulbs aren't screwed in enough then there's no contact for electricty to flow through and hence no drain on power.
PS For energy saving I really recommend going for fluorescent bulbs - they last 8 times longer and use a fraction of the energy for the same light output. Ask for 'compact' size if you want to fit them in most lamps. Also ask for soft white which gives identical light to a conventional bulb rather than that harsh white light. If you own a small business you should be able to get substantial discount from your local electrical shop.
PS do not put flouros on lights with dimmer switches as they tend to pop - unless you leave dimmer on full
Watts used equals energy used. Have 4 - 100 watt bulbs in fixture your using 400 watts of power. Have 1 - 100 watt bulb in fixture you are using only 1/4 the energy than if you had 4 - 100 bulbs burning (and getting a lot less light also). I have replaced all my 75 and 100 watt incandescent bulbs with compact flourescents which are rated anywhere from 16 watts to 23 watts consumption, a big difference from the incandescent design.
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