Electricity used for lighting accounts for around 15% of an average home’s electricity use according to the United States Department of Energy.
When it comes to adapting your home to be more eco-friendly, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs is one of the easiest choices you can make. They are something you’ll use every day, and the savings might even show up on your next utility bill.
Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Energy-efficient light bulbs last up to 12 times as long as traditional bulbs, using less electricity to emit the same amount of light as traditional bulbs. They help you to reduce the carbon footprint of your home, saving money and energy in the process.
Using energy-efficient light bulbs is more economical than many people realize. The Edison bulb is known for emitting beautiful and warm light but it is also associated with higher electric bills because it uses more energy that both emits light and heats the room. In the summer, this may require more frequent use of the air conditioner to keep the space cool.
How Can You Tell If A Light Bulb Is Energy Efficient?
When choosing a light bulb for energy efficiency, there are three factors to consider: Type, Lumen Value, and Color.
- Type: The type of energy-saving light bulb you use is primarily determined by where and how you’ll use it.
- Lumen Value: The light bulb’s lumen output is a good indicator of how bright your energy-saving bulb will be.
- Color: This factor is based on your own preference. If you opt for more natural light, consider using energy-saving bulbs that are described as soft or warm white.
These are the two most common energy-efficient light bulbs:
- LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient lighting option. Plus, they offer many other benefits, including longevity, brightness, and lower electricity costs. LEDs deliver a high level of brightness at a low operating temperature with less power consumption.
Price Level: $$$
Life: 9-22 years
Temperature: Warm white, bright white, daylight
Wattages Available: 2.5-16 watts
Energy Consumption: A LED bulb uses only 2.5 watts to produce 115 lumens, while a traditional bulb uses 15 watts (or six times more energy!) to produce the same amount of light.
Dimmable: Yes
- CFL Bulbs
CFL light bulbs use far less electricity and last many times longer than incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs run quietly and offer more options than older-style fluorescent bulbs.
Price Level: $$
Life: 7-9 years
Temperature: Warm white, bright white, daylight
Wattages Available: 3-120 watts
Energy Consumption: Compact fluorescent bulbs range in wattage from 11 to 42 watts. Some of the most common CFL wattage equivalents are 13 watts CFL (equivalent to 60-watt incandescent) and 23-watt CFL (equivalent to 100-watt incandescent).
Dimmable: No
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Advantages and Disadvantages
List of Energy-Saving Lights Available in the Market
The following are some of the latest highest-rating energy-saving light bulbs available in the market that can be used for your home:
These 13-watt bulbs are the equivalent of a 60-watt incandescent bulb and provide a daylight-like light. The bulbs are also Energy Star rated, which means they last up to 12,000 hours. And unlike other CFL bulbs, they’re guaranteed not to flicker. Note that you shouldn’t use these with dimmers, though. And like all CFL bulbs, these need to be properly recycled when they burn out.
Bulb Type: CFL | Lumens: 860 lumens | Watts: 13 watts | Usage: Indoor
These Philips Indoor CFL Light Bulbs are 23-Watt (equivalent to a 100-Watt standard incandescent light bulb). This 100-watt equivalent bulb features a daylight color that turns on softly and warms to its full brightness in seconds, making it ideal for use with table lamps or in kitchens, living rooms, and hallways
Bulb Type: CFL | Lumens per Watt: 69.6| Watts: 23 watts | Usage: Indoor
The Philips 60-Watt Equivalent Soft White LED Light Bulb is our top pick since it emits a soft white light that’s both bright and easy on the eyes, relies on energy-efficient LED technology, and has a high CRI rating.
This bulb has a Kelvin rating of 2700K, which means it will cast a warm and soft light throughout the space it is installed in, creating a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
Bulb Type: LED | Lumens: 800 lumens | Watts: 10 watts | Usage: Indoor
For those looking to shop LEDs, TCP’s 60-watt-equivalent bulbs are a great option. These bulbs have an overall energy-efficient design. They can replace a standard 60-watt incandescent bulb and slash your energy costs by up to 85 percent. They’re also designed to last 20,000 hours, or over the course of 18 years.
Bulb Type: LED | Lumens: 800 lumens | Watts: 8.5 watts | Usage: Indoor/protected outdoor
Conclusion
In conclusion, a home that primarily uses energy-efficient bulbs will save money in the long run. Combined with other methods of energy management you can reduce your energy consumption while drastically cutting your utility bills by making use of energy-saving light bulbs.
You can save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and even help out the planet by making this simple change. And with so many options available for energy-efficient bulbs, it’s not hard to find one that fits your needs and personal style—so why wait?
Make a switch today!
If you’re interested in reading more of Kura Home’s informative blogs, check out our blogs and subscribe now to our YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram accounts for more home maintenance tips!
