Introduction to Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Energy efficient light bulbs are a great way to save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. These bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, which means you can save money in the long run by replacing your old bulbs with energy efficient ones.

Wondering why energy-efficient lightbulbs are the best? Let’s examine what makes an energy-efficient option worth considering, and how replacing the bulbs in your home can keep your electricity costs down.

What Types of Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs Are There?

There are a few different types of energy efficient light bulbs to choose from, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and Halogen light bulbs.

Each of these main types of energy-efficient bulbs differ in the way that they generate and emit light, so it’s important to consider which one is best for your home.

Light-Emitting Diode (LED)

LED light bulbs are extremely durable, produce very little heat and emit light when a current flows through them. When the current interacts with a semiconductor (the diode), electricity is generated and light is produced.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Like their name implies, CFL light bulbs have a fluorescent coating on the inside of it. While CFLs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, the bulb contains mercury and argon gasses that convert electric currents into UV light. 

The presence of mercury in these bulbs makes them a safety risk if broken and also poses a disposal problem, so they’re not the most efficient choice.

Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent bulb that use a halogen gas that’s recycled to generate electricity, produce light and make the bulbs last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Halogen bulbs are also dimmable, which can make them a good choice for ambient lighting or accent lighting in a home.

These bulbs do produce more heat than other types of energy efficient bulbs however, which is not ideal in a home setting.

The Most Common Energy-Efficient Light Bulb

LED lights are the most commonly used form of energy-efficient light bulb because they’re efficient, affordable and last the longest with an average 10-year lifespan. While LED bulbs are the top choice in terms of the low cost, great output and energy savings, CFLs are a good second option.

What to Look For When Shopping for Energy-Saving Light Bulbs for Your Home

There are several things to consider when choosing a lightbulb, including the bulb’s lumens, the color of its glow, whether it can be adjusted for dimness and what space you plan to use it in.

For example, a dining room might require mood lighting with dimming bulbs while bright white light is preferable in bathrooms. Also, make sure that the light fixture is able to handle the wattage required for the bulb you’re buying.

Lumens are a measure of how much light is produced from each bulb. On the other hand, watts measures the rate at which energy is used. In general, a good standard to look for is 800 lumens, however a standard 100 W bulb emits 1,600 lumens.

There are three primary color temperature options for lightbulbs: soft white, warm white, and bright white. Each of these options can provide excellent lighting for different rooms in your home.

The Top 5 Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

One easy way to find a trusted, energy-efficient light bulb brand is to look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a label backed by the Environmental Protection Agency that helps consumers choose energy-efficient appliances. Once you know what you need a lightbulb for, you can easily select one from these top recommendations.

Best all-around: Philips Non-Dimmable LED Frosted

Here’s the current pricing on Amazon.

If you’re looking for a reliable and energy-efficient lightbulb option for everyday use in a home that is not yet fully smart-connected, the Philips LED Frosted Non-Dimmable lights are a great choice. These bulbs use 80% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and have a lifespan of up to 10 years, making them a cost-effective and long-lasting option. 

Pros:

• The classic lightbulb look can be maintained while still saving money and energy with these bulbs.
• If used for approximately 3 hours per day, these lights have a lifespan of roughly 10 years.
• They provide a soft white glow that is ideal for use in a table lamp or to light an entire room, and they are reasonably priced.

Cons:

• These lightbulbs are not able to be integrated with the Philips Hue system, which enables you to connect Philips light bulbs to an app that enables you to change colors, adjust dimming, and remotely turn lights on and off.

Runner up: Philips Hue Smart Bulb

Here’s the current pricing on Amazon.

If your home is fully equipped with WiFi and you want to be able to control your lights through apps on your phone or with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home, these are the best smart lightbulb options.

Pros:

• These bulbs have a long lifespan of up to 22 years
• Compatible with Bluetooth and WiFi
• The app interface allows you to create a fully integrated smart home system.

Cons:

• The individual cost per bulb is relatively high.

Best CFL: Phillips CFL

Here’s the current pricing on Amazon.

These CFL bright white light bulbs are dimmable, allowing you to easily alter the atmosphere of a room.

Pros:

• These lightbulbs are made from recycled glass and packaging material, making them an environmentally-friendly choice.
• They are ideal for use in kitchens, living rooms, and hallways.

Cons:

• These lightbulbs are not compatible with the Philips Hue system.

Budget pick: Sylvania LED A19 bulbs

Here’s the current pricing on Amazon.

This six-pack of lightbulbs is a great value at a reasonable price. They emit a soft white light that’s suitable for any room.

Pros:

• This four-pack of lightbulbs is a great deal at a bargain price and has a lifespan of up to 11,000 hours.
• They are environmentally friendly and can help you save energy compared to traditional light bulbs.

Cons:

• This lightbulb does not have the Energy Star seal.

Notable mention: AmazonBasics 60W LED bulbs

Here’s the current pricing on Amazon.

This six-pack of lightbulbs offers a great value at a reasonable price. They produce a soft white glow that’s complimentary for any room.

Pros:

• These lightbulbs have a lifespan of 10,000 hours, or approximately 9 years if used for 3 hours per day.
• They offer a great cost for a six-pack of bulbs.

Cons:

• This lightbulb does not have the Energy Star seal of approval.

Why Choose an Energy-Efficient Bulb?

Energy-efficient lightbulbs are a smart choice for a variety of reasons. They can save you money on energy bills and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent light bulbs. In particular, bulbs with the Energy Star label are designed to be more energy-efficient and not waste as much energy as traditional bulbs.

One of the main benefits of energy-efficient lightbulbs is that they use less electricity, resulting in lower energy bills for you. In addition, these bulbs are more environmentally friendly because they emit less CO2 during use. If you have solar panels, energy-efficient lightbulbs can help you maximize the benefits of your solar energy by using less electricity.

Conclusion

Energy-efficient light bulbs are just one way to create a more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly home. Another option to consider is installing solar panels, which can help you eliminate your energy bills entirely and make your home the most energy-efficient on the block.

If you’re interested in saving money and powering your home with clean, reliable energy, contact us for a free customized solar quote. 

 

Related Links: 

15 Energy Saving Strategies for Your Home

5 Ways Switching To An Electric Vehicle Can Save You Money

Understanding Your PG&E Bill, Fees & Rate Schedule