Energy Star 50-100-150 Light Bulbs

Why Energy Star Bulbs?

Using energy efficient light bulbs means that you'll use about 75 percent less energy when the light bulb is turned on and the light will produce 75 percent less heat while lasting up to 10 times longer than a conventional light bulb.

These light bulbs also produce nice, warm light that is appropriate for reading and other tasks. Using Energy Star 50-100-150 light bulbs gives you a great amount of versatility for task lighting while being kinder to the planet.

Energy Star recommends using energy efficient light bulbs in the fixtures that you use most often, particularly those that are on for at least 15 minutes at a time or for several hours a day. A three-way light in your living room or bedroom can certainly qualify, and you'll probably save about $30 in energy costs over the life of each lightbulb.

Picking Energy Star 50-100-150 Light Bulbs

One thing it's important to note when you go shopping for Energy Star 50-100-150 light bulbs is that those are not the numbers you are going to see on the label. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a much lower wattage for the same output of light compared to the light bulbs you are used to buying.

These are the ranges you can expect to see on energy efficient bulbs compared to standard bulbs:

• 50 watts: 13 to 15 watts
• 100 watts: 23-30 watts
• 150 watts: 30-52 watts

Remember also that there are many types of Energy Star light bulbs, and if you are replacing a bulb in a three-way light fixture, you must choose a light bulb that is approved for that use. The same is true if you have a fixture with a dimmer installed.

The standard energy efficient light bulbs will not work in these fixtures, so do your homework and seek out light bulbs that will do what you need them to do.

Energy Efficient Light Fixtures

In addition to replacing as many light bulbs as you can with energy efficient models, you can also choose Energy Star approved light fixtures when you are ready to remodel or build a new home or just looking to replace your desk or table lamp.

Energy Star light fixtures use a quarter of the energy of traditional light fixtures and distribute the light more effectively. You can expect a light bulb to last seven years in one of these fixtures, and the fixtures themselves have a two-year warranty, twice as long as conventional fixtures.

Some of the indoor models offer dimming, while some outdoor models will automatically turn themselves off during daylight or on when motion is detected, all of which saves energy by not using the light when you don't need it.

Every little step that we can take reduces the amount of energy we use and helps us live greener lives.

Disposing of Light Bulbs

You won't have to do it often, but when a light bulb of this type breaks or burns out, you do need to take some precautions when disposing of it. The bulbs contain a small amount of mercury in the glass tube, which isn't incredibly dangerous (it's much less than used to be in thermometers) but you should still take care when disposing of them.

Whether broken or whole, compact fluorescents should be sealed in two plastic bags before being thrown in the trash. There may also be a local option for recycling the bulbs (if they aren't broken).

When cleaning up a broken bulb, open a window if there is one and let the room air out for 15 minutes before scooping up the bulb parts with a piece of cardboard while wearing disposable rubber gloves. Put all the shards in a bag, then put that in another bag.

Don't use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean up the bulb, and don't touch it with your bare hands. Light bulbs should not be incinerated.