Energy Saver Light Bulbs

There's a lot of buzz surrounding energy saver light bulbs. While they are more expensive initially, energy efficient light bulbs will save you money in the long run. They get more affordable as new varieties hit the market.

The standard incandescent light bulb is the type we've all been using for years. They are small electric heaters that produce light when the filament warms. Most of the power used is consumed by heating the bulb, making them very inefficient.

Approximately 20% of the household electricity bill is spent lighting the home. Using energy saver light bulbs will reduce your utility bill and your carbon footprint.

This is one of the easiest tips for going green; buy a few eco friendly light bulbs and make the switch as incandescent bulbs burn out.

Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL's)

A 13 watt CLF bulb has roughly the same amount of light as a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Bulb packages usually contain conversion information, but see our estimates if you aren't sure.

CFL's are increasingly versatile, coming in all shapes and sizes. They can be used in standard table lamps, light fixtures, track lighting, and ceiling fixtures. They can also be used on dimmers and timers, but make sure your switch is compatible with CFL bulbs.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs do contain traces of mercury, so it's essential that they are disposed of properly. Some home improvement stores accept them for drop-off. To find a location in your area, see Earth 911.

Light Emitting Diodes (LED's)

LED's are tiny semiconductors that glow, lasting up to 10 times longer than CFL's. Because they contain no filament, LED's aren't easily damaged like traditional bulbs. They are also free of toxic mercury, making LED bulbs an optimal lighting choice.

As technology advances and LED bulbs become more affordable to produce, they will likely become the leading choice in home lighting.