Energy Efficent Light Bulbs

Taking steps towards energy efficiency helps you reduce energy bills and cuts back on greenhouse gases and other pollutants caused by energy consumption. Heating, cooling and water heating make up the largest part of the typical household energy use. Powering major appliances and lighting make up about equal portions of energy usage so simply by switching to energy efficient light bulbs can make a big difference in your household’s expenses.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that if every American home replaced the bulbs in their five most frequently used light fixtures with energy efficient light bulbs the nation would save nearly $9 billion in energy costs every year, an average of $70.00 in savings per household. This simple switch would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of close to 10 million cars.

Replacing light bulbs is one of the easiest and most low-cost ways to start saving energy. Energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) provide high-quality light output, use less energy and last up to ten times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs generate more heat than light so by replacing them with energy efficient bulbs will mean more illumination and reduce cooling costs in the warmer months.

To qualify for the EPA’s endorsement energy efficient light bulbs must meet key performance requirements. The efficiency of light bulbs is referred to as efficacy, which is the measure of light output, called lumens, compared to the energy, or watts, needed to power the bulb. To be considered at energy efficient light bulbs must provide at least three times more lumens per watt than incandescent bulbs. All light bulbs dim over time, but CFL and other energy efficient light bulbs must maintain 80% of the initial light output for 40% of their lifetime. Compact fluorescent light bulbs have an average lifespan of 8,000 hours meaning that after 3,200 hours of use still needs to produce 80% of the light it produced during its first 100 hours of operation to earn the EPA’s Energy Star rating.

The minimum standard lifetime of an Energy Star energy efficient light bulb is 6,000 hours but the current average is 8,000 hours. Light bulbs used an average of three hours per day will last seven years.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are another choice for energy efficient light bulbs. LEDs were once limited to single bulb use but manufacturers have expanded the application of LEDs by clustering the small bulbs and encasing them in diffuser lenses which spread the light in wider beams. Energy efficient LED light bulbs can be found with standard bases to fit common household light fixtures.

LED light bulbs are long-lasting and durable. They produce very little heat and are mercury free. LED energy efficient light bulbs use only two to ten watts of electricity making them more efficient than incandescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs. The cost of LED light bulbs is expensive but because of their long life the cost may be recuperated over time.