Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Information

CFL lights (left) are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs (right).

Replacing older light bulbs with newer, energy saving models helps American families save significantly on their energy bills. New technology such as LED light bulbs and CFL light bulbs draw less energy than traditional bulbs, making them a good choice for the environment. Comparing traditional bulbs with the newer styles available helps customers understand the benefits clearly.

Types of Light Bulbs

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recognizes several types of light bulbs approved for use at home. Incandescent light bulbs are the traditional, pear-shaped, screw in bulbs that have been used in homes throughout America. These bulbs are replaced by compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LED) bulbs. CFLs are similar in shape to large corkscrews while LED lights are available in many styles.

Drawbacks of Incandescent Lights

Incandescent light bulbs are the least energy efficient bulbs on the market today. Many homeowners believe that the cost of incandescent light bulbs makes them a wise choice. According to the FTC, over 90 percent of the energy drawn by these bulbs is lost through heat. Incandescent bulbs also burn for a less amount of time when compared to CFLs and LEDs. They typically burn for 750 to 1,000 hours.

Benefits of Energy Efficient Lighting

Switching to CFL or LED bulbs in the home helps lower the cost of electricity bills because these bulbs burn more efficiently. According to the Energy Star website, CFL light bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights. LED bulbs only use between two and 10 watts of electricity which is about one third to one thirtieth less than traditional bulbs states the Earth Easy website. LED lights also produce less heat which negates their affect on home cooling. LEDs are also the longest lasting light bulb, lasting about 10 times longer than CFL lights. CFLs last about 10 times longer than CFL lights, burning for about 10,000 hours.

Cost

The initial cost of the CFL and the LED bulbs may be a bit of a drawback for some homeowners. However, much of the cost is recouped overtime, according to Earth Easy. CFL lights save 570 kilowatts over its lifetime. Earth Easy estimates that a kilowatt of energy costs about eight cents; the CFL saves $45 in energy costs over a lifetime. LED lights are a bit more expensive because they cost more to produce. Technology is always improving, making the costs continue to go down. LEDs typically pay for themselves in energy savings.

Choosing a New Light Source

Shopping for LED or CFL bulbs can be a bit tricky for the first timer. The wattage of CFL and LEDs differs from traditional light bulbs. Compare the lumens listed on the CFL package to incandescent lights because lumens measure light quality while watts measure energy usage. Also consult the kelvin (K) rating on the package. Lights with a Kelvin rating between 2700 and 3000 give off a soft, white light while Kelvin ratings between 3500 and 6000 give off a bright, white-blue light. LED lights also come in bright and soft light and lower wattages than incandescent lights. Be sure to choose LED bulbs with a screw base for traditional lamps and light sockets.

References

• Energy Star: Light Bulbs
• Earth Easy: Energy-Efficient Lighting
• Federal Trade Commission: Saving Energy on Light