How to Choose the Right Energy Efficient Lighting for Your Home

Would you like to know how to choose the right energy efficient lighting for your home? Read on to learn what you need to know on the subject.

Though a traditional light bulb is cheap, it will cost you almost six times as much to use throughout its life. 

Gone are the days when the only option you had for your light bulbs were these incandescent bulbs. Today, there are many energy-efficient lighting options on the market. 

These bulbs last longer and are better for the environment, making it a no-brainer to switch to them. 

We go over everything you need to know about these bulbs in our energy-efficient lighting guide. 

What is Energy-Efficient Lighting?

Energy-efficient lighting is a type of lighting that uses less energy to make the same amount of light as traditional lighting. 

Some of the most important benefits of using these bulbs are that they can save you money on your electric bill. Energy bulbs can help reduce your carbon footprint. This, in turn, helps to improve the environment.

Energy-efficient lighting can also help you to be more productive. Studies have shown that people work better in natural light, which these bulbs tend to give off. This can lead to better work performance and increased productivity.

Many energy-efficient bulbs give off less heat than traditional bulbs. This means they don't contribute as much to climate change.

Energy-efficient bulbs last much longer than traditional bulbs. You'll be using fewer light bulbs and reducing your environmental impact. 

There are a variety of different energy-efficient light bulbs on the market, but the most common are LEDs. 

How to Choose the Right Energy-Efficient Lighting for Your Home

There are many different types of energy-efficient lighting on the market these days. So, how do you decide on the right one for your home? 

Start by identifying the places in your home where you spend the most time. These are the areas where you'll want to focus your energy efficiency efforts.

Think about what type of light you need in each space. You'll want to pick a light color that goes with the room in which you are putting the light bulb. 

Choose a soft white bulb for a cozy feel. This color is great for bedrooms, living rooms, and dens. 

A bright white is very white in color. Put this color in your kitchen, bathrooms, and garages. 

Daylight bulbs look most like natural light. Add these bulbs to any vanities or display cases. 

Types of Energy-Efficient Lighting

LED is the way to go when it comes to energy-efficient bulbs. This type of energy-efficient lighting is explained in the guide below. 

LED light bulbs 

LEDs are the best energy-efficient lighting option on the market. These bulbs use the smallest amount of energy and last the longest. They also use less energy and produce less heat, which helps to reduce your carbon footprint.

An LED light works when an electrical current moves through a microchip. This chip sheds light on small LEDs, which produce light we can see. 

There are many types of LED light bulbs, and it is worth doing your research to find the right one for your home. 

CFL Light Bulbs 

A compact fluorescent (CFL) light is smaller and more energy-efficient than a traditional light bulb. These bulbs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and work by reflecting light. 

A CFL bulb isn't as energy efficient as an LED bulb, but they do last between 10 and 15 times longer than a traditional light bulb. CFL bulbs also use about one-quarter of the energy of a traditional bulb. 

These bulbs are expensive upfront but cheaper to run over their lifetime. CFL bulbs are an excellent choice for their blue hue if you have a greenhouse. 

Halogen Light Bulbs

A halogen light bulb is a type of light bulb with a tungsten filament inside the bulb. The filament is heated to produce light, which is then projected through a lens and out into the room. 

These bulbs are much brighter than traditional light bulbs, which means they use a lot of energy. Halogen bulbs are very hot light bulbs. This means they contribute to climate change and are not very energy efficient.

To make your halogen lights a little more energy-efficient, consider putting them on a dimmer. You can control how much light you are letting into a room and use less electricity. 

Incandescent Light Bulbs

An incandescent light bulb is a type of light bulb that many people traditionally used in the home. 

These bulbs work by heating a filament inside the bulb until it is hot enough to glow. This filament is inside the bulb's glass and is what gives off light. 

They are much more costly to run than other types of light bulbs. They last between 800 and 1,000 hours and use between 25 and 50 watts.

Energy-Efficient Lighting Tips

Even if you have chosen all LED lights for your home, there are a few tips you can use to keep your costs and usage down. 

Make sure to match the wattage needs with the room you are putting the bulb into. Don't overly light a room for no reason! 

If you are building a home, consider adding several light switches to each room. This will keep light on the areas you need it in. 

Dimmers are another great tool to use to keep your energy costs low. 

Lamps cost less than overhead lighting. Turn on your lamps for a cozy and environmentally friendly feel. 

If you have outdoor lights, make sure to install motion detectors. They will keep your lights off when they aren't in use. 

Save Money and the Earth With Energy-Efficient Lighting 

There is no excuse to stick with the old incandescent light bulbs of years past. Reduce your eco-footprint and energy costs when you switch to energy-efficient lighting. 

Do you need help making the switch? If so, Buell Electric Inc. can help!

Get a free estimate for your electrical needs today!