Lower Your Electric Bills with Efficient Lighting

Save energy at home with efficient lighting

Changing a light bulb may seem small, but the right bulb can make a noticeable difference on your electric bill. Lighting accounts for 15% of an average home’s electricity use, so switching to energy-efficient bulbs can be one of the fastest and easiest ways to save energy.

Today’s most common lighting options are LED bulbs, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, and halogen incandescent bulbs. According to Energy.gov, halogen incandescent bulbs meet federal minimum energy efficiency standards but are not the most efficient choice.

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 than traditional incandescent bulbs. With the average U.S. household using about 70 light bulbs, switching to energy-efficient lighting can add up to significant long-term savings.

LED bulbs typically cost more upfront than CFL bulbs, but since they last longer and use less energy, the cost can be offset over time.

Here’s a breakdown of how the most common lighting options compare:

LED bulbs: LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient lighting option available. They are designed to 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 up to 34 years — three to five times longer than CFLs. They also produce very little heat, which helps reduce energy waste and the risk of overheating.

CFL bulbs: CFLs are compact versions of the fluorescent tube lights commonly found in older kitchens, garages, and workplaces. They use about 70 to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer, with an average lifespan of 14 years. 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. A small capsule of halogen gas allows the filament to operate more efficiently, using about 20 to 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, lasting 4.2 years on average.

For more information on energy efficiency, visit SafeElectricity.org.