Switching to Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Go Green in 2014: Week 45

My husband and I bought new light fixtures for our dining room and living room last weekend, so we have been working on installing them. It's exciting! Our old fixtures were, well, old. I'll admit, there have been a few setbacks, but in the end, I love having updated lighting.

Now, the light fixtures themselves aren't necessarily "green" or "not green". It's the type of light bulbs you use that really matters.

Why switch to energy efficient light bulbs
 
An energy efficient bulb might cost you a little more upfront, but they will save you money and electricity in the long run. Besides, the incandescent bulb is becoming more obsolete, thanks to a 2007 U.S. law (Energy Independence and Security Act) that was set into effect to phase them out. Since we moved into our house, we have been slowly switching to energy efficient bulbs as the old ones burn out.

Now that we have covered the reasons to switch out your lighting, let's take a look at the different options we have.

Types of energy efficient light bulbs

You probably envision those curly-cue light bulbs when you think of energy efficiency, but they aren't the only option.

1. CFL. Compact fluorescent lights (the curly bulbs you might be picturing) are pretty inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes to fit various fixtures; they also come in warm and natural hues, so you aren't stuck with that cold, bluish tinge in your living room. They do contain a small amount of mercury, which isn't a problem when handled correctly.
2. LED. Light emitting diodes are durable and have a long life span; you could get up to 11 years on continuous (24 hours per day) operation from them. They do tend to have a lower, more direct output, though, so they may be better for certain applications than others.
3. Halogen. Most people don't think of halogen when they think of energy efficiency, but they use less energy than an incandescent bulb and they are great for specific applications. Halogen lighting is a favorite in art galleries or in a reading area where it reduces eye strain. Like incandescent bulbs, however, halogen generates heat, which could potentially cause damage in the surrounding area.

What type of lighting do you have in your home?

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Your challenge: This week, consider moving to energy efficient light bulbs as the old ones need to be replaced.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**