[Snax]

Well I actually tried the motion sensor switch in the garage, but I ran into a problem with the flourescent lighting. Unfortunately the cheaper motion activated switches don't like CFLs or whatever kind of balast I have in the 48" tube lights, so they end up ruining the flourescent tubes/CFLs. A switch rated for that type of use costs nearly $50.

So the question is, how long would it take for that investment to payback if the lights are left on an average of 4-8 hours per day and an average of 50-100W? That answer is: A long freakin' time at about 9 cents per kWh. Fortunately I think 4 hours may be on the high side of the real average, but it seems like they are on more than that. Maybe it's just me. :P

A simple push button 5-10-15-30 minute timer might make more sense. They seem to work pretty well for the bathroom fans during showers. Of course we are all in the habit of just pushing the 30 minute button though.

Regardless, it is still undeniable that our lighting use constitutes only 20-25% of our electrical use at worst. The majority of the rest comes from water and space heating.