Candles vs. electric lights

Which do you think is cheaper?
In the evenings, especially in the winter when it's dark all evening, I like to leave a small light on in the kitchen because my family goes in and out frequently enough that it doesn't make sense to turn the lights off and on.
We don't need much light because we're just grabbing snacks or getting a drink.

Do you think it's cheaper to leave the electric lights on, or leave 1-2 candles burning? I re-melt my used candle wax to make new candles when they're all out.

Thanks for your input!

[terry1156]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

Get yourself a LED night light. Jeffrey mentioned them about xmas lights just a bit ago in one of the challenges. You can also get LED night lights. I think they cost about $0.25 a year to run if left on 24 hours a day - that's how efficient they are.

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

Impressive.

Thanks!

[2moretrees]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

wow, great tip. I never even considered that.

[contrary1]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

I've got a couple of the LED nightlights, they are great. I have a small lamp with one of the smallest energy efficient bulbs in it, that we leave on during the night in our family room. It casts enough light down the hallway that no one has to turn other lights on.
We have the LED nightlights in our bathrooms, so there is rarely a need to turn the lights on in there either........
I started years ago to dim the lighting in my home, due to the DD type kids I was taking in. Everyone seemed calmer, quieter with less light. Now, I'm used to it!

[Ima saver]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

I would think a small nightlight would be cheaper than candles. I have one that I leave in the bathroom all the time.

[MrSwapper]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

We used to be way into candles and even the cheapest ones we could find seemed to get expensive to replace & they don't provide enough light for much besides mood lighting
We would use more energy saver bulbs, but they don't work w/ dimmers & we have a couple dimmers w/ 4 halogen bulbs on each, so we try not to touch those switches...

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

I think candels would be more fun... but led prolly cheaper.

I use a candle in my bathroom for showers, I only need enough light so I don't knock over the bottles, not enough to notice all my blemishes and fat in the giant mirror! (btw mirrors help candels give mroe light)

Anyway I use em cause it is a treat, and happens to be more frugal than the fancy (expensive) row af a billion lights in there.

[markio26]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

we use scented candles thruout the house.. it makes winter seeem more bearable.
we have led night lights... they are great for the kitchen, 3 bathrooms, garage, and
hallways... we also, have the energy saving bulbs everywhere, inside and outside.

[Bluezy]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

Lit candles are not allowed in my house while my two-year-old CJ is there. Cost is not a consideration when it comes to my baby's safety.

However, I use the special spiral flourescent bulbs in all lamps and outlets in this apartment. It definately cuts down the electrical usage.

[Fern]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

I wouldn't burn candles in an unattended room. Night lights are more practical, and safer. Or get one of those devices they advertise on TV where you just clap your hands to turn a lamp on or off.

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

Candles used for scents and atmosphere only! Safety don't you know!

[Ima saver]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

I only use my candle in the tub area, on top of the tile, and the candle is in a jar. No curtains around, so no chance of fire. My favorite waitress, Judy, use to love candles and burned them all the time. She fell asleep and somehow the place caught fire because of the candles. I have lots of night lights that I can turn on if need be. One is a neat looking frog.

[shelbylovesmelby]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

I'd love to use candles or an oil lamp but since I have 2 lil ones & the bigger won't take no for an answer & leave anything alone ever so its in everones best interest (safety wise) we don't use either.

[CJsoccerchic]

Re: Candles vs. electric lights

LED night lights? can you find those at a local "k-mart" or are they a hard find?? and what's the cost of one of those?