Find Out About Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

If you have been to a hardware store lately, you may have noticed the increased amount of energy efficient light bulbs on the shelves in the lighting section. As a consumer, your lighting choices are changing due to new technological advancements in the light bulb industry. Scientists and creators have been working hard on designing new lighting choices for consumers that are good for the environment and that can make homes more energy efficient. In many cases, traditional light bulbs have reduced production to make room for environmentally friendly and energy efficient new technology. These energy saving light bulbs still deliver quality and the same brightness you would expect from traditional bulbs. Most consumers are now upgrading their home lighting systems to these new bulbs so they can reap the benefits of more energy-efficient lighting.

There are three common types of energy saving bulbs on the market today, which are halogen incandescent, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED). Therefore, it is important to learn more about your choices before purchasing new lighting for your home. The technologically advanced bulbs have higher price points than traditional bulbs, but can be well worth the investment because they usually last longer and can help lower your monthly utility bill. By making the switch, you may be able to lower your monthly expenses while saving energy and helping the environment. To find out more about the light bulb efficiency in the newest types of light bulbs, read through the following sections.

What are Halogen Incandescent Bulbs?

Halogen incandescents are considered one of the best energy saving light bulbs on the market today. They are designed similarly to traditional incandescent bulbs, but halogen incandescent lightbulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent lighting. While these lightbulbs have a higher price point than regular incandescent bulbs, they can be well worth the few extra bucks. By installing this energy-efficient lighting in your home, you may be able to save money on your monthly power bill in summer and winter.

As one of the most energy efficient light bulbs, halogen incandescent bulbs have gained popularity on the market, mostly because they are so similar to traditional light bulbs. An incandescent bulb is composed of a small capsule that holds a halogen gas around the heated filament. This gas is used to increase the intensity and efficiency of the incandescent. In some bulbs, there is also an inner coating that is meant to reflect heat back into the capsule. This makes the bulb even more efficient by reusing this energy to gain more function. On some brand packaging, these types of lightbulbs are sometimes simply referred to as “halogen” bulbs.

If you are wondering, “How much energy does a light bulb use?” keep in mind that these bulbs use less than traditional incandescent lighting. While they are a bit more expensive to purchase, they may save you money in the long run since they use less energy and power to operate. These bulbs are also known to last longer than traditional lighting sources. Common uses for halogen incandescent bulbs include the following:

• Outdoor flood lighting
• Outside spot lighting
• Outdoor reflector lighting
• Indoor track lighting
• Recessed indoor light fixtures
• Desk lamps
• Floor lamps

These bulbs are known for their accurate color appearance and they can be used in a variety of settings, depending on the specific type of bulb you purchase.

What are Compact Fluorescent Lamps?

If you are doing your research and looking into “What is the most energy efficient light bulb?” you should consider compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). These light bulbs are similar to fluorescent lighting but they use less energy and the bulbs can last much longer. Since these lights do not need to be changed often, you can feel confident installing them in areas that are hard to reach, such as office ceilings or track lighting on vaulted ceilings inside your home.

If you wonder, “How much energy does a light bulb use per hour?” remember that there are many different types of CFLs, and each size and shape of bulb serves a different purpose. These different types of bulbs use various amounts of power when operating and can also have different life spans. When you are selecting your CFL lightbulb, you should consider where the bulb will be installed, the type of light you want in the area and the purpose of the lighting system.

What are Light-Emitting Diodes?

You probably already know that LED lights save energy because these light bulbs have been popular for years now. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are constantly changing and improving due to designers and scientists consistently working on their functionality. The shape, size and light emitted from these bulbs can vary, since there are several different types on the market today. One of the best features of LED lights is that they look almost identical to regular, traditional light bulbs.

These energy saving light bulbs may have a slightly higher price point than traditional bulbs, but they are known to last much longer than regular bulbs while using less power to operate. As one of the most efficient bulbs on the market, LEDs are also known to be more durable and are great choices for outdoor lighting systems. However, with so many different colors, wattages and shades of light available, you can find an LED for any need you have. Therefore, these bulbs can be used for both your indoor and outdoor home lighting needs.

The way that these energy saving lights operate is much different than the other new technologies on the market. The actual LED component is a tiny speck that is a mix of green, blue and red, which combines to make the white light of the bulb. This technology does not need to be reflected and the LED bulb itself emits the light in one specific direction. This feature makes these bulbs much more energy efficient because the whole power of the light is harnessed and energy is not needed for reflection or diffusion, like other light bulbs.

LEDs are installed in a variety of common lighting systems, some of which you may already use without knowing, such as strands of Christmas lights.