Before hiring an electrician, check your home’s lighting stats. If you’re reading a high utility bill, burning through money and have high energy needs—fear not. You can save expenses with these lighting tips.

Don’t trade in one incandescent light for multiple, low-wattage bulbs. While the idea might seem like a good one, it’ll certainly result in a net gain in energy usage. A lot of electrical contractors will tell you the same thing: It’s a game of wattage, not bulb numbers.

A couple skylights go a long way. If you’re moving into a new home or apartment, consider installing a couple skylights to reduce overall energy needs. If possible, position your high-traffic areas to the northeast or north. By doing so, you can ensure an even light coating.

If you swap out regular bulbs for completely clear bulbs, you’ll reduce the overall number of bulbs. We know: It’s not about bulb number. That said, having a single clear bulb can reduce your need for any bulbs in the surrounding area. If you can maximize your room’s lighting with a single bulb, why invest in multiple lamps?

Dimmers, too, can reduce overall electricity needs. They can also boost the life of low-voltage lighting options, like halogen downlights. When buying your bulbs, make sure they’ll work with a dimmer. You’ll be surprised by the amount of energy you can save.

Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are a solid-state lighting option capable of converting electricity directly into light. They’ll save you money, all around, and are fantastic replacement options for 40W, 60W and even 75W traditional incandescent bulbs.