Energy-efficient bulbs brighten homes, save energy

As the days get shorter this time of year and most households use their home lighting for longer stretches, replacing older bulbs with energy-efficient models is a simple way to reduce electricity use, lower energy costs and keep your home well-lit.

Changing a light bulb may seem small, but the right bulb can make a noticeable difference on your electric bill. Switching to energy-efficient bulbs can be one of the fastest and easiest ways to save energy.

Lighting accounts for about 15% of electricity use for the average home, according to Safe Electricity. With the average U.S. household using about 70 light bulbs, including indoor and outdoor lighting, switching to more energy-efficient options can add up to significant long-term savings.

Today’s most common lighting options are LED bulbs, compact fluorescent lamp bulbs, or CFLs, and halogen incandescent bulbs.

For the biggest energy savings, LEDs and CFLs offer the greatest return. Energy Star-certified LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 15 to 25 times longer. LED bulbs typically cost more upfront than CFL bulbs, but since they last longer and use less energy, that cost can be offset over time.

Here’s a breakdown of how the most common lighting options compare, according to safeelectricity.com.

LED bulbs

LEDs are the most energy-efficient lighting option available. They turn more electricity into light and waste less energy as heat. Because they direct light where it’s needed, they’re ideal for recessed downlights, task lighting and accent lighting. LEDs can last three to five times longer than CFLs. They also produce very little heat, which helps reduce energy waste and overheating.

CFL bulbs

CFLs are compact versions of the fluorescent tube lights commonly found in older kitchens, garages and workplaces. They use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. While they’re much more efficient than incandescent bulbs, about 80% of the energy they use is still lost as heat.

Halogen incandescent bulbs

These are an improved version of the traditional incandescent bulbs. According to energy.gov, halogen incandescent bulbs meet federal minimum energy efficiency standards but are not the most efficient choice. A small capsule of halogen gas allows the filament to operate more efficiently, using about 20%-30% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. They are fully dimmable and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. However, they have the shortest lifespan of the three options.