Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

How to Choose Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Choosing the eco friendly light bulbs you need is not that difficult. There are many types, sizes, and price ranges on the market. When deciding which bulb to buy consider the following:

• Energy Star Rating
• Where will you use the bulb?
• Shape needed- this will depend on where the bulb is to be, the light fixture it will be used in, and your personal preference
• Brightness- will you be doing sewing or reading in the area the bulb will be used in? Will it be used for security lighting? Perhaps it will just need to light basement, hallway, or closet. Choose the lowest wattage that will do the job
• Features- what features do you need in the bulb? If it is in a family room, you may want three way lights or dimmers. Ceiling fan lights often need candelabra bases. Take these things into consideration when choosing your bulb
• Color of light- This is something people don’t often think about. A lot of the energy efficient light bulbs have a yellow light. This is not that noticeable but if you take pictures they will come out with a yellow cast. You can buy these bulbs with a light similar to daylight, just be sure to check

Types of Efficient Bulbs

Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs, or CFLs, are very efficient and last up to ten times longer than standard, incandescent bulbs. While they are initially more expensive to buy, the CFLs save money over the long run. An 18- watt CFL used in place of a 75-watt light bulb will cost about $45.00 less over the lifetime of the bulb. In that same length of time it will keep nearly half a ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere. The light generated by the newer CFLs is of a higher quality than it used to be, generating a warmer light. You need to be aware that CFL bulbs have some negative qualities. CFLs do not cycle on and off well. If they are in a room where they are being constantly switched on and off you will not get the full benefit of the bulb. Also, they contain low levels of mercury, a toxic substance which can be dangerous if the bulbs get broken.

If you do break a CFL:

• open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more
• use a wet rag to clean it up and put all of the pieces, including the wet rag, into a plastic bag
• place all materials in a second plastic bag and seal it
• call your local recycling center to see if they accept this material, otherwise put it in your local trash
• wash your hands

Regular CFLs are categorized as household hazardous waste. It may be disposed of in the regular trash but if possible save the spent CFLs for community hazardous waste collection if your municipality does that

LED, or Light Emitting Diodes, are small, solid bulbs, which are very efficient. Recent improvements to the design have brought them out of the realm of Christmas lights and into every day, household use. They last up to 133 times longer than incandescent lights. LED light bulbs are more durable than either incandescent bulbs, or CFLs.

Other Resources

• The Environmental Defense website has some helpful articles.
• This Calculator will help you see how much you can save on your electric bill by using alternative lighting.

If we all make just one change on a regular basis, the Earth will be a healthier place.