Choosing the right energy-efficient light bulb
Starting in 2014, inefficient incandescent light bulbs will begin to be phased out in the United
States, as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) that was signed into law in
2007. While the sale and use of most standard incandescents will still be permitted after 2014,
the manufacture and import will not, meaning that Americans will eventually need to make the
switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.
Need help understanding the differences among and best uses for halogen, compact
fluorescent light (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs? The type of bulb you choose will
have a lot to do with how and where you intend to use it. This chart will give you a quick
overview of each energy-efficient bulb type.
Energy-efficient light bulb comparison chart:
Bulb Type
Benefits
Good To Know
Halogen Incandescent
Produces the same look, feel
as traditional incandescent
bulbs.
Works with dimmers.
Good for providing the
energy-efficiency and cost
savings of a CFL, plus the
immediate brightness of an
incandescent or LED light.
Currently, these hybrid bulbs
are only made by GE (called
Bright from the Start®).
CFL with Halogen
Uses 75% less energy and
lasts up to eight times longer
than traditional
incandescents.
CFL
Good for areas where lights
will be left on for long periods
Available in a variety of base
types; be sure the base and
lighting fixture match.
Available only with screw-in
bases.
Do not work with dimmers.
Available in a variety of base
of time (closets and pantries
aren’t ideal).
types; be sure the base and
lighting fixture match.
Uses 75% less energy and
lasts 6-15 times longer than
traditional incandescents.
LED
Good for recessed
downlighting, task lighting
and general purpose lighting.
Available in a wide variety of
formats, including mountable
strips and holiday lights
Turns on instantly, no warmup period needed.
Many models are dimmable;
check bulb packaging and
dimmer to ensure they are
compatible.
Emits less heat than
incandescents and is more
resistant to breakage than
other bulbs.
Available in a variety of base
types; be sure the base and
lighting fixture match.
Uses at least 75% less energy
and lasts 15 to 25 times
longer than traditional
incandescents.
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