Energy efficient lighting is good for the environment and can save you money. Light bulb manufacturers are required to provide the necessary information to help you choose the most energy-efficient bulb. Following is the information that should be printed on each light bulb package.

• Light output: How much light the bulb produces, measured in lumens. A 60-watt regular incandescent bulb yields about 855 lumens. A 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb yields about 900 lumens.
• Energy usage: The total electrical power a bulb uses, measured in watts.
• Voltage: If a bulb is not 120 volts, the voltage must appear on the label. Most bulbs are 120 volts. Light output and efficiency decrease when you use a bulb with voltage that is different from the voltage you use in your house. Most places in the United States operate on a 120-volt system.
• Average life in hours: How long the bulb will last.
• Number of bulbs: How many bulbs are in the package.

There are now many types of bulbs to choose from. The following descriptions can help you choose the best cost-saving light bulbs for your home.

Regular incandescent bulbs:

These are the pear-shaped bulbs with a screw-in base that have been around for many years. They use electricity to heat a filament until it glows hot enough to produce light. About 90% of the electricity used by these bulbs is lost as heat. These bulbs typically burn for about three hours a day for a year before they burn out.

Compact fluorescent bulbs:

With just one-fourth of the energy, these bulbs produce as much light as regular incandescent bulbs. In other words, a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb gives out the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. These bulbs also last about ten times as long as incandescent bulbs.

This is good to keep in mind when you are shopping and comparing prices. Remember that the compact fluorescent will last ten times as long. Multiply the price of the regular incandescent bulb by ten to get a true comparison.

Incandescent spotlights and floodlights:

These bulbs are mostly used in recessed ceiling fixtures or in outdoor fixtures. A special coating helps to direct and focus the light in the right area. These bulbs burn for about 2,000 hours or twice as long as regular incandescent bulbs.

Halogen bulbs:

These bulbs contain a small capsule filled with halogen gas which emits a bright white light. While standard halogen bulbs use less energy and last longer than regular incandescent bulbs, the Department of Energy (DOE) has cautioned that the type of halogen bulbs frequently used in floor lamps can generate excessive heat, creating a fire hazard. This type of halogen bulb also uses significant amounts of energy. The DOE recommends using compact fluorescent lamp bulbs instead.

General service fluorescent bulbs:

These thin, long tubes are often used in kitchens, offices, garages, and basements. They are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and don’t produce heat. These bulbs last 10 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

When deciding what type of light bulb best suits your needs, keep in mind that highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs may cost more than regular incandescent bulbs, but their efficient use of electricity and long operating life will offset the cost.

Suppose the table lamp in your living room is turned on for 1,000 hours a year and your electric company charges 8¢ per kilowatt hour. A regular incandescent 60-watt bulb will cost less to buy, but will need to be replaced at least once a year. Compare that to a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb, which may cost you $10, but may last you as long as 10 years. In addition, the compact fluorescent bulb costs only about $1.20 a year to operate because of its low wattage, while the standard bulb costs about $4.80.

For more information about energy-saving products for your home, visit the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network website at www.energysavers.gov.