Energy Efficient Light Bulbs for the Home

There is no escaping the fact that an average home in America is responsible for twice as much greenhouse gas emissions compared to an average car. It has been estimated that if each house in America were to replace just 5 of the bulbs or light fixtures with energy efficient bulbs, it would mean the country saving as much as $8 billion each year on the cost of energy, apart from each home saving on the cost of replacing their bulbs as well as higher electricity bills. And that can be accomplished without needing to turn off a single light! Besides, it would also mean saving the earth’s atmosphere from greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that given off by ten million cars, and that in a single year!

While the energy efficient light bulbs in the past used to be unpopular because of their low voltage, creating unwanted dimness and shadows in homes, the energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures available these days, however, are as bright as conventional incandescent light bulbs. Although they may be more expensive than the conventional light bulbs, nonetheless, they save as much as 75 percent in energy each day, plus, they are designed in such a way that they can last up to ten years, doing away with the need of replacing bulbs every now and then, which can add up to hundreds of dollars if calculated over a ten year span of time.

Energy efficient lighting for the home revolutionized by Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL)

Light Emitting Diode bulbs are solid, small light bulbs that are very energy efficient. Until lately, these were available only in applications where single bulbs were used like pen lights, electronics, instrument panels, as well as strings of outdoor and indoor Christmas bulbs. The newer types of these bulbs clustered in groups of 2-36 bulbs, along with diffuser lenses, have broadened their applications, and hence can be used in homes and items like headlamps and flashlights.

CFLs are merely smaller versions of fluorescents. They can be screwed on into the regular light sockets, and emanate light akin to ordinary light bulbs.

Using LEDs to make an energy efficient home

Compared to regular incandescent bulbs, LEDs last 133 times longer, and compared to CFLs, they last ten times longer. LEDs are also more durable because they withstand bumping and jarring better, and since they have no filament they are not susceptible to the kind of damage that incandescent bulbs are. Also, these bulbs are far cooler than regular incandescent bulbs. Plus, of course they are energy saving, using a fraction of the energy required by incandescent bulbs.

Using CFLs to make an energy efficient home

You can replace your conventional light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs in order to make your home more energy efficient. Also known as CFLs, these bulbs have been in the news because of the energy efficient qualities they have.

Compact fluorescent bulbs use about a quarter of the energy compared to a conventional light bulb to produce an equivalent amount of light. For example, you can replace a conventional 60-watt bulb with a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb. The lower wattage means that there is less output of heat as well as a lower amount of energy used. The light produced by a compact fluorescent bulb is more diffuse compared to incandescent light bulbs; hence, they are ideal for lighting large areas. In order to get the most suitable CFL bulb for your requirements, check the package for the conversions of the wattage.

Save money and energy by replacing regular bulbs by energy efficient bulbs

Energy experts are of the opinion that the best way to make your home into an energy efficient one is to first replace the light bulbs and fixtures that are used the most. The following are some of the fixtures that are usually used the most:

• Floor lamps and table lamps used in the family or living room
• Chandelier in the foyer
• Lights in the kitchen
• Lights used for security purposes
• Lights in the hall
• Bathroom fixtures
• Outdoor post and porch lamps
• Lighting used for decorative purposes
• Basement and garage lights that are kept on through the night

These days, there are a plethora of energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures available at lighting showrooms, hardware and home improvement stores as well as outlets online. These range in style from ordinary bulbs that are akin to regular light bulbs to highly decorative ones that can be used in fixtures and open chandeliers. If you want to use them for a festive look, they are also available in various colors. You can visit specialty lighting retailers, either online or in regular shops, for more unique colors and styles.