Modern Light Bulb Trends

Every Light Bulb is Not The Same

Lighting Accounts for about 11% of our household electrical use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that rapid adoption of LED lighting over the next 20 years in the United States could save about $265 billion in energy costs and replace the construction of 40 new power plants.

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Choosing and using new a energy saving light bulb is the easiest way that every person can help save energy. Here all the current selections of energy saving bulbs.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs: The CFL light bulb has come a long way in recent years along with the price coming way down on them. An average CFL that emits light equal to a 60 watt bulb only uses 14 to 16 watts and last about 8 times longer then a standard bulb. The average cost of a 60 watt CFL is now below $1 each and is expected to go lower as the quantity being sold goes up. The energy savings for just 1 bulb changed from a standard 60 watt to a 60 watt equivalent CFL bulb is 75%. CFL bulbs and regular fluorescent lamps contain a small amount of mercury. You need to use caution when cleaning up a broken bulb and disposing of the bulbs that is no longer working. Many home improvement stores have collection bins to deposit your unwanted bad bulbs. CFL bulbs now come in multiple colors, shapes, sizes and wattage for all uses. Many new bulbs are instant on style and are dimmable.

Light Emitting Diode BULBS: LED light bulbs are even more energy efficient then CFL bulbs and last up to 25 years. At this point they are still more expensive then compact fluorescent bulbs, but the prices will come down as more people change to this technology. A LED light bulb is made with numerous mini diodes inside of the bulb housing. These bulbs throw off almost no heat and use very low energy about 80% less then standard bulbs. These bulbs are also safer then CFL bulbs because they do not contain any mercury.

LED bulbs still have a ways to go in the design area. Most LED bulbs sold right now are unidirectional; they only throw light one direction. These would be good for recessed style lighting but not good in a lamp. Manufactures are working on making omnidirectional bulbs that will throw light in multiple directions but this may take a while before there is a large selection available to the consumers.