Halogen incandescents increase bulb efficiency via a capsule inside that holds gas around a filament. These bulbs are available in numerous shapes and colors and they can be used with dimmers. Halogen incandescent bulbs not only meet the federal minimum energy efficiency standard, but today there are plenty of high-efficiency options that far surpass the baseline standard in meeting your illumination needs.

 

The phrase “compact fluorescent lamps” (CFLs) might be a mouthful, but in truth, these lights are just compact, curly versions of the long tube fluorescent lights that have featured in many a home’s garage and kitchen ceiling lighting. Of course, CFLs use less electricity than their predecessors, which means that in less than nine months your investment in them will be paid in full. Many CFLs use anywhere from one-quarter to one-third of the energy of a traditional incandescent and last 10 times longer while putting out the same amount of light.

CFL bulbs come in a range of light colors, including warm (white to yellow) tones that only recently reached the market. Some CFL bulbs are encased in a cover to further diffuse the light and provide a similar shape to the bulbs you are replacing. Note that these bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, meaning they should be recycled at the end of their lifespan. 

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are probably the best-known amongst the new wave of lighting solutions. LEDs are categorized as a type of solid-state lighting, which means they convert electricity into light. They first gained a foothold in automobile indicator lights and traffic lights and quickly grew in popularity, so that today LEDs for white light, general illumination applications are one of the world’s most energy-efficient, rapidly-developing technologies. The most efficient LED lights last 15 - 25 times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb, while using just 20%-25% of the energy. 

LED bulbs come in a variety of styles and usages: for example, they can replace past-generation 40W, 60W, and 75W light bulbs, function as reflector bulbs used in recessed fixtures, and perform flawlessly when integrated into small track lights, desk lamps, and outdoor area lights. LEDs offer a huge variety of colors and are configurable to work with dimmers and motion sensors. Some LED options are also solar-powered. Indoors or out, the durability, versatility, and performance offered by LED lighting are tough to beat. 

Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. By replacing your home's traditional light fixtures and bulbs with a halogen CFL, or LED product, you can save big money on your annual electric bill. Contact our local interior design firm today and let’s discuss a lighting solution that works for you.