ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: LIGHT SELECTION FOR HOME USE
Contributed By Tessie Chao
March 4, 2015
A. Introduction
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Energy used for lighting a home costs about 5% to 10% of its energy budget.
Switching to energy-efficient lighting can cut one’s energy consumption by 25% or
more. See Comparison Table on the next page.
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In 2007 The Energy Independence & Security Act (EISA) was passed by Congress,
which included higher efficiency standards for the basic lightbulbs. Starting in
January 2012, the most common lightbulbs we use will be required to be 25 percent
more efficient. These new standards equate to less electrical consumption
(measured in watts) for the amount of light produced (measured in lumens). The
new requirements will be phased in nationally over three years.
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The new standards do not affect all bulbs. Some specialty bulbs, such as appliance
bulbs, black light lamp, bug lamp, colored lights, infrared lamps, etc. are exempted.
B. Energy Efficient Lighting Choices – Three of the most common types include
halogen incandescent, CFLs and LEDs.
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Halogen Incandescent – Available in a wide range of shapes & colors, halogens have
a capsule inside that holds gas around a filament to increase bulb efficiency.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) – These are curly versions of the fluorescent light
tubes, available in a range of colors & warm tones. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use
about one-fourth the energy & lasts ten times longer than a comparable traditional
incandescent bulb that puts out the same amount of light. Fluorescent bulbs contain
a small amount of mercury, and should always be recycled at the end of their
lifespan. Many CFLs are not dimmable and they take a while to fully brighten.
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Light Emitting Diode (LED) – Solid state lighting with semiconductors that convert
electricity into light. ENERGY STAR qualified LEDs use 20%-25% of the energy & lasts
up to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs. LEDs work well
indoors & outdoors due to their durability & performance in cold environments.
Compared to CFLs, LEDs instantly brighten and turning them on and off frequently
does not shorten their life. They do not usually burn out but may dim over time.
Although currently more expensive than CFLs, LED prices are falling as demand &
performance increase. Most are dimmable.
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Other Light Tips:
- Visit ENERGY STAR’s website to find the right light bulbs for your fixtures.
- When remodeling, look for recessed light fixtures or cans which are rated for
contact with insulation & are air tight (ICAT rated).
- When replacing incandescent bulbs from recessed light fixtures, use energy
efficient bulbs that are rated for that purpose.
- Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures.
- Controls such as timers, photo cells, motion detectors, and dimmers save
electricity.
C. Shopping for Light Bulbs- compare lumens not watts.
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Brightness: Lumens measure how much light you are getting from a bulb. More
lumens means brighter light. Some examples:
- To replace 100W incandescent bulb, use an energy-saving bulb that gives
1600 lumens.
- To replace 60W bulb, use an energy saving bulb that gives you about 800
lumens.
Light appearance (warm to cool) – measured by correlated color temperature (CCT)
on the Kelvin (K) scale, 2700K being warmer than 3000K.
Lighting Facts Labels – the Federal Trade Commission requires a new product label on
all light bulb packages. The label includes information on brightness, estimated yearly
energy cost, life span & light appearance.
RELATED REFERENCES
• www.energy.gov
• www.energystar.gov
• Consumer Report
• American Lighting Association