Which Energy Efficient Lightbulb Is Best For My Home?
As a homeowner, it’s common to look for ways to reduce your energy consumption throughout the year. One thing you may not have considered yet is using more energy-efficient lightbulbs. There are many types of lightbulbs on the market today. Some can help to reduce your energy usage and save you money on your electricity bills.
A Look at Energy Usage
One of the first areas you want to compare when looking at light bulbs for your home is their energy usage. The easiest way to do this is to compare a 60-watt incandescent lightbulb to other options. You want to compare it to ones that produce the same amount of light with a fraction of the energy. With a halogen incandescent lightbulb, it uses only 42 watts of power for the same amount of light. A CFL light uses 15 watts, while an LED light uses only 12 watts. It’s easy to see that a CFL light will save 75% energy and an LED light uses 80% less energy than incandescent light bulbs.
Comparing Lifespans
While using less energy is a great start, that’s only half of the price assessment. You need to understand how often you’ll need to be replacing these lightbulbs. That way, you can see which ones are going to be cost-effective over time. Lightbulb lifespans are often rated by the hour. Incandescent bulbs and halogen incandescent bulbs last 1,000 to 2,000 hours. This translates to between 1 to 2 years. CFL lights will last up to 10,000 hours, which is between 9 and 10 years. LEDs can last 25,000 hours or more, which is 25+ years in operation. When comparing their lifespans, it becomes clear that LEDs are going to save you money in the long run. This is due to their longer lifespan.
Assessing Individual Costs
Another factor that you’ll want to consider is their individual price. Older incandescent light bulbs ring in as the cheapest, costing about $.70. Halogen incandescent bulbs cost about $1. CFLs cost $2, and LEDs are the most expensive at $5 per light. LEDs ring in at over five times more than traditional incandescent bulbs. But, they are more efficient because they last much longer than other options.
A Quick Examination of Color
The ideal bulb will save you money and operate in an efficient manner. But, it’s still essential for you to consider the color of light that the bulb produces. Different environments may call for different hues. Halogen incandescent and LED lights will reach their full color when you turn the switch on. CFLs will take one to two minutes to reach their brightness level. CFLs fall into the blue, cool category of light hues. Halogen incandescent and LEDs are available in a wide variety of warm to cool color hues. This allows you to pick one that matches the individual needs of your space.
Call Us Today
If you want to learn more about efficient light bulbs, then it’s time to give us a call today. Our electricians can answer all your questions and give suggestions for your home.
