Choose The Best Energy Efficient Light Bulbs For Your Home

Energy-efficient light bulbs help you lower your overall electricity consumption and replace your light bulbs less often. There are many factors to consider when deciding which lighting is right for your home, starting with the different types of light bulb and their efficiencies. Read below to learn more about the differences between compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), halogen, and LED light bulbs and how they can help you lower your energy consumption and shrink your carbon footprint.

Benefits of halogen incandescent light bulbs

What are the benefits? These are the most common type of light bulbs found in stores and most homes. Incandescent bulbs are the cheapest lighting option if you only consider upfront costs. Halogen incandescent light bulbs are widely available and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and warmths making them convenient to replace.

What are the drawbacks? Cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Halogens are less expensive at first, but are the least energy efficient light bulbs, costing you more money in the long term. They also have the shortest lifespan, so you’ll also have to factor in the cost of frequent replacements.

Benefits of CFL light bulbs

What are the benefits? CFL light bulbs, or “compact fluorescent lamps”, have a distinct curly shape. These bulbs will use less energy than standard incandescents and typically pay for themselves within nine months.

What are the drawbacks? CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury and must be disposed of properly when they burn out. This means that despite the energy savings, CFLs are not the best eco-friendly option.

Benefits of LED light bulbs

What are the benefits? LED light bulbs (light emitting diodes) are long-lasting and durable. These bulbs are also an excellent eco-friendly option. They’re mercury-free and give off very little heat. Since you want a light bulb for its light, not it’s heat, any heat generated by a bulbs is key indicator that it’s wasting energy.

Because of their efficiency, LED bulbs are the most cost effective long-term lighting option. Although they still might cost a little more than the standard bulb, these bulbs last much longer which can save you more on replacements in the long run.

What are the drawbacks? LED lights have the highest upfront cost of the three options. Replacing all your lighting with comparatively expensive LED bulbs now can save you lots of energy in the future. However, this might be more planning than you anticipated when you simply need to replace a single burned-out bulb. If you’re not looking to immediately switch all of your lighting to LEDs, your best bet is to steadily switch over to LEDs as your old lights burn out.

Choosing the right light bulbs for your home

For long-term savings of both money and energy, it’s clear that LED lighting can’t be beat. Your lighting needs tend to be different in each room of your home. The bright, white lights of your kitchen would be inappropriate in your bedroom or lounge where warmer lighting will better set the mood.

When you’re looking for the right bulbs to use for your home, choose LED bulbs based on color, warmth, and lumens (brightness). Here are a few suggestions to creating the perfect lighting for each room in your house.

• Entryway — This is the first space that everyone sees when entering your home. A medium light that creates a natural-light look will keep it fresh and welcoming while providing a nice balance when you step inside from the bright sun.
• Office — No one likes a bright office light when staring into a bright computer. Warm lighting won’t give you a headache while working on your laptop or reading a book.
• Bedrooms (and bedroom lamps) — Nightstand lamps should have a dimmable option for reading, or a relaxing warm lighting that won’t wake you up. Regular ceiling lighting in the bedroom should be bright to help you adequately move about the room and get dressed.
• Bathrooms — A cool light is often recommended for the bathroom for a clean appearance, but could distort colors when applying makeup. The brightness in this room really depends on preference.
• Dining Room — The dining room is often a lively space used for entertaining. Something well-lit but not too bright will create a welcoming atmosphere. You may want adjustable lighting that you can dim for different types of dinners or meals.
• Kitchen — The kitchen should always be bright to keep up with the hustle and bustle of daily use and make food prep and cooking easier.
• Living Room — The living room is another entertainment space, but it’s something that’s used on a daily basis to unwind with family after a long day working or studying. Dimmable options offer variety and would do well in this space. If you don’t have dimmable switches, you can also ad some well-placed floor or table lamps for warm, relaxed lighting.
• Nursery — Similar to the warm lighting used in the bedroom, a nursery needs to remain a calm and relaxing space.
• Garage — A dimly-lit garage can cast strange shadows! Bright lighting is the best option here, especially when handling power tools/equipment or working on projects.
• Outdoor Lighting — Safety is key for outdoor lighting, so abundant lights are a must. Warmer lights go well with brick exteriors while cooler lighting accents crisp whites and greys.

About Santanna Energy Services

Santanna Energy Services located in Austin, TX and Bolingbrook IL, is a Electricity and Natural Gas Provider for Residential, Commercial, Business and more. Founded in 1988 and have been in business for over 30 years and growing!