FAQ: Improving Home Lighting Efficiency

QUESTION: I'd like to replace the 150-watt bulb in my reading lamp with a more energy efficient bulb, but I don't want to reduce the light output. What are my options?

 

ANSWER: You can improve your home's lighting efficiency by replacing incandescent bulbs with either halogens or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

Screw-in halogen bulbs use up to 17% less energy than, last up to three times longer than, and are similar in size and shape to standard incandescent "A" bulbs. But they have light output equivalencies only up to 100 watts.

For your reading lamp and in many other applications, you will be better off replacing your incandescent bulbs with CFLs. They use 70% to 75% less energy and last 10 to 13 times longer than incandescents. They are available in wattage equivalencies ranging from 25 to 150 watts. You'll need a 39-watt CFL to replace the incandescent bulb now in your reading lamp.

When purchasing CFLs, look for ENERGY STARŪ qualified models to ensure you get the highest quality, highest efficiency, longest lasting CFLs available.

For more information about compact fluorescent lighting, contact the Energy Services Office.


 

Last updated: 04/26/10