During winters on the East Coast, the day ends far too early when the sun goes down in the afternoon. What this means, unfortunately, is that people are forced to rely on artificial sources of lighting instead of sunlight to fill their home. Higher electricity bills will soon follow.

If you don't want to break the bank this winter, there is a simple way to save money while also improving the energy efficiency of your home. Invest in compact fluorescent light bulbs, commonly know as CFL bulbs. They have advantages over traditional incandescent lighting.

Energy efficient: The average CFL bulb will use one third of the electrical power that an incandescent bulb would. Less electricity used means a smaller electrical payment each month.

Lasts longer: The length of time you have to go between changing light bulbs is the most immediately noticeable improvement. The average incandescent bulb will only last around 750 hours of regular use. This is miniscule in comparison to the average CFL bulb, which can last anywhere between 6,000 and 10,000 hours. So not only will you be saving money on your electric bill, you will be spending far less on the physical bulbs themselves because they will have to be purchased less frequently.

Less expensive: Though CFL bulbs might be more expensive up front, they will definitely save you money in the long run. The average incandescent bulb costs only 37 cents, while CFL bulbs cost $3.50. But a longer lifespan and use of less electricity means large savings. In the big picture, the slightly more expensive CFL bulbs are worth the investment.

To convert your home into a more energy efficient and money saving space, make the change from incandescent to CFL bulbs. Contact Alban Inspections, a leading home inspection company in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland area.