Efficient Lighting

Incandescent Light Bulb Incandescent bulbs spend 90% of their electricity use making heat instead of light. New efficient bulbs are a better choice. New high-efficiency bulbs use up to 75% less electricity than standard bulbs, can last up to 13 times longer, and produce the same amount of light. They cost more initially, but pay for themselves in lower bills and fewer replacements.

Energy-Efficient Incandescent Light Bulbs: best for lamps that ore on less than 15 minutes per day or where halogen or compact fluorescent bulbs will not fit. Gives light similar to a standard incandescent bulb. It uses about 10% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb, with a lifespan of 750 hours.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: best for where usage exceeds one hour a day. Floor lamps, hanging fixtures, and some ceiling sockets are easiest to fit. Gives light similar to an incandescent bulb. It is about 400% more efficient than a standard incandescent bulb, with a lifespan of 9,000 to 12,000 hours.

Halogen Bulbs: best for recessed or "canned" fixtures, track lights, and outdoor lights. Produces brighter light than an incandescent bulb. A halogen bulb is up to 200% more efficient than a standard incandescent bulb, with a lifespan of about 2,000 hours.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Light Bulbs: best for outdoors, especially security lighting, and where usage occurs over extended periods. Gives a different color light than an incandescent bulb. These bulbs are about 400% more efficient than a standard incandescent bulb, with a lifespan of 10,000 to 24,000 hours.