Finding ways to cut down on energy consumption has gotten a lot easier in the last few years as manufacturers develop more energy-efficient devices. For years, most homes only used standard lightbulbs that averaged 100 watts of power. Recently, more energy-efficient solutions like CFL and LED bulbs have become popular for use at home thanks to their long lifespans, durability, and affordability.
What Are Watts and Lumens?
Watts are what you use to measure the amount of electricity that bulbs use, so the higher the watts, the higher your energy bill will be. If you want an energy-efficient lightbulb, then you want a bulb will low watts, particularly if you know the bulb will have heavy use.
Lumens are what you use to measure the bulb’s brightness, so the higher the lumens, the brighter your bulb will be. Since not every room needs to be super bright, you will want to find a bulb with lumens that match your lighting needs in different areas of your home.
Types of Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
When choosing energy-efficient lightbulbs for your home, you will have several choices between halogen, CFL, and LED lightbulbs that are available on the market. Halogen lightbulbs are handy if you want a bulb that you can dim. However, halogen bulbs are definitely not as energy efficient as LED and CFL bulbs, and they don’t last very long. So, if you are more interested in energy-efficient features, you should check out LED and CFL bulbs.
The efficiency of a lightbulb is measured by its lumens. A standard lightbulb is capable of creating 10 to 20 lumens per watt. The CFL is somewhat stronger with a lumen range of 40 to 70 lumens. On the other hand, the LED light offers the strongest wattage at 100 lumens per watt, making it the most efficient of all three of the lightbulbs.
LED Lights
One of the best energy-efficient lightbulbs on the market are LED Lights since they spend less energy than all of the other types of bulbs. This durable and long-lasting lightbulb solution does not contain any toxic materials like some of the other lightbulbs, so it is a better choice for an environmentally friendly household. You can also dim an LED light easily, and it won’t break as quickly as other types of lightbulbs.
Due to their popularity, it’s possible to find many types of LED bulbs in different shapes and colors. Some even offer advanced features like wireless connections with a smart device, which allows you to control your lights from any location.
Types of LED Lightbulbs
When it comes to LED bulbs, there are two types of LEDs that you will see the most: dimmable and diffused. These two types of LED lightbulbs have different functions and features. The diffused LED bulbs use a special lens that helps the lightbulb spread more light over a larger area. It also has a longer lifespan in comparison to dimmable LED lights, so it’s a great choice for a backyard, garage, living area, or any place where you will leave the light on for longer periods of time.
A dimmable LED lightbulb, on the other hand, is more energy efficient. It only uses 10 watts, but it will still have enough power to give the amount of light you need. The following covers the several types of LED lightbulbs available on the market.
E12 Bulbs
Also called a candelabra bulb, the E12 is a great choice for kitchen lighting or in decorative lighting in other parts of the house. The E12 is typically a weaker lightbulb in comparison to other LED bulbs, so they aren’t the best choice to use with a dimming function. The E12 only uses 4.5 watts and is fairly affordable. Plus, you can buy smart versions that can be used with wireless technology if you need them.
A19 Bulbs
The standard A19 bulb uses 14 watts of power, which is actually equivalent to a normal 100-watt bulb. The A19 gives you a brightness level of 1600 lumens and can last 15,000 hours. If needed, you can also purchase the A19 with a weaker version that has the power of 9 watts as well as a smart bulb you can use with wireless technology and connect it to a smart device.
E26 Bulbs
Similar to an E19, the E26 has the same basic functions. The best type of E26 bulb to purchase is the bulb that uses 9 watts and can change colors. This is not a bulb you should use for dimming function because it was designed to be connected to a smart device like Alexa or your smartphone, so you can control it from a distance.
PAR30 Bulbs
Another great light solution is the PAR30 Bulb, which is a lighter version of the E12 Bulb. It can give you 900 lumens of brightness, and it is very small, so you can use it for decorative purposes in a kitchen or bar.
CFL Lights
One of the more popular energy-efficient bulbs on the market, CFL lights are affordable and durable and will last you up to 10 years. You can even purchase them in different shapes and colors thanks to the latest advancements, which means you can use them for lots of different design purposes and can fit them into any type of space.
Just remember that CFL Lights are made out of mercury, which is a dangerous substance. Therefore, it’s important to store this light safely when it’s time to throw it away. Mercury can cause an issue with your skin, breathing, digestive system, and kidneys if it is released into the air. These lights are not dimmable, and you do have to wait a few seconds until they are able to reach their maximum brightness level.
Halogen Bulbs
The most common lightbulb that you will find in most homes and stores is the halogen bulb. These incandescent bulbs are cheap when you only consider their upfront cost. They are also widely available, and you can buy them in a wide range of sizes, warmths, and shapes, which makes them super easy to replace.
Just keep in mind that the cheaper lightbulbs aren’t always the better choice. Halogen bulbs are not energy efficient, so they will end up costing you more down the road. They also don’t last as long, so you will have to replace them frequently.
Which Bulb Is the Best?
Which is better: CFL bulbs or LED bulbs? Overall, the LED lightbulb is probably your best option. It is affordable, allowing you to save on your energy bills. LED bulbs have a lot of great designs and colors, plus you can find models that have advanced features like wireless connections, dimming, and the ability to change colors. You can also find many products like flashlights, lamps, and car lights that contain LED technology, which helps to spread your energy-efficient savings even further.
Ask the Pros
When you are looking for energy-efficient lighting, it can be helpful to ask for the expertise and knowledge of a professional. At Arc Angel Electric locations in South Carolina and Georgia, our certified electricians offer comprehensive services for both commercial and residential buildings. We also offer smart home automation, surge protection, generators, and more. Contact us today for more information or to set up an appointment.
