What’s the deal about light bulbs?
The traditional light bulb (the one that Thomas Edison invented)
converts only 10 percent of the energy it uses to produce light. That
means 90 percent of the energy cost is used to produce heat, making
it extremely inefficient.
To address this issue, the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007 was enacted in 2012. One requirement of this law is that all light
bulbs must be labeled to better
inform consumers. The new
label allows you to make the
best selection to get the perfect
light for the lowest cost.
Download this information as a PDF file 
Brightness
The amount of
light given off by the bulb,
measured in lumens.
Estimated Cost Savings
An
estimate of the energy cost
savings as compared to a
traditional incandescent bulb
(does not include additional
savings due to the bulb lasting longer).
Light Appearance
Light ranges in color from a cool bluish tone to
a warm reddish tone (most people prefer cool lighting in work areas
and warm lighting in living areas).
Energy Used
Light ranges in color from a cool bluish tone to
a warm reddish tone (most people prefer cool lighting in work areas
and warm lighting in living areas).
.
Light Bulb Choices*
Energy Efficient Incandescent
• 25 percent more energy savings.
• Lasts three times longer.
• Wide variety and dimmable.
• Cost: $
LED (Light Emitting Diodes)
• 75-80 percent more energy savings.
• Lasts 25 times longer.
• Cost: $$$
CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp)
• 75 percent more energy savings.
• Lasts 10 times longer.
• Dimmable bulbs available.
• Cost: $$
Quick Facts
• The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 includes lighting standards implemented from 2012 to 2014.
• Incandescent bulbs are available; they are just more energy efficient.
• Check to make sure bulbs can be used with a dimmable switch.
• Upgrading 15 inefficient incandescent bulbs in a house can save about $50 per year.
• Longer lasting bulbs mean additional savings.
Proper Disposal of CFL Bulbs
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends recycling of CFLs and all fluorescent bulbs.
o By recycling, the mercury is contained and does not enter the environment.
o The glass, metals and other materials can be reused.
• Follow proper procedures for cleaning up a broken
CFL bulb at www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html.
Mercury Concerns
While CFL bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury, with
proper disposal, the mercury will not enter the environment.
The amount of mercury in a CFL bulb is less than burning a
traditional incandescent bulb that uses electricity generated
from a coal-powered plant.
Where to Recycle
• Waste collection sites.
• Local retailers.
• Mail-back services.
To find recycling locations in your area, go to http://Earth911.com.
The ABCs of Efficient
Lighting for the Home
• Appearance
• Brightness
• Cost
SP 741-A E12-5323-00-035-12 31M-06/12 12-0178 Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating.