ENERGY –
EFFICIENT
LIGHTING
FACT SHEET
The average home has more than 50 light bulbs. By swapping out just one
incandescent bulb for a CFL or LED, you can save up to $80 in electric costs
over the lifetime of the bulb. Think how much you could save if you changed
all your light bulbs!
LEDs
nn Without the need for filaments, glass, gases, mercury or lead, LEDs can
be safely used around the house.
nn Look for LED bulbs with the lumens you need, not watts consumed.
For instance, an 800-lumen LED bulb replaces a typical 60-watt
incandescent bulb.
nn LEDs are “directional” light sources, making them ideal for recessed fixtures.
For table lamps or other general purpose fixtures, look for LEDs labeled
“omni-directional.”
nn An LED bulb uses just 15-20 percent of the energy an incandescent bulb
uses and lasts up to 25 times longer.
CFLs
BUY AND REPLACE
FEWER BULBS
ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs last
dramatically longer than incandescent
and CFL bulbs. The average lifespan for
an incandescent bulb is 1,000 hours; for
a CFL, 10,000 hours. The typical LED
lasts up to 25,000 hours or more, all
while maintaining high-quality white light.
888-427-5632
nn Generally, choose a CFL using approximately one-fourth the wattage
of the incandescent you are replacing. This should provide about the
same amount of illumination. Most CFL packaging lists the equivalencies.
nn ENERGY STAR certified CFLs use about 70 percent less energy
than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
nn Only specific CFLs are designed to work in dimmer, remote or 3-way switches.
Read the packaging carefully to ensure you get the appropriate CFL.
nn Only purchase CFLs for outdoor use when the bulb will be protected from
the elements. Check the packaging for optimal operation temperatures.
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ENERGY STAR LIGHT BULBS
PROVIDE THE BEST PAYBACK
Before going to the store, make sure you know the size of the fixtures for
your replacement bulbs. At the store, check for the ENERGY STAR logo on
the package. Only bulbs that meet or exceed government energy efficiency
and performance standards can carry that logo, and these are the bulbs you
want to purchase.
Light Output: Incandescent vs CFL vs LED
Light Output
Incandescent
CFL
LED
Lumens
Watts
Watts
Watts
450
40
9-13
4-5
800
60
13-16
6-8
1,100
75
18-25
9-13
1,600
100
23-30
16-20
2,600
150
30-55
25-28
NOTE: The above values are for comparative purposes, as technology
continues to evolve in the lighting industry.
Use this chart to find the right color of light for the room in your house.
With MidAmerican Energy’s Be Bright
lighting discount program you can
save even more.
MidAmerican Energy works with many
retail and manufacturing partners to
provide discounted pricing on select
ENERGY STAR certified CFL and LED
bulbs. There is no need to complete a
rebate form; the discounted pricing is
instant, allowing you to receive the lower
prices at the cash register. Just look for
the Be Bright signage at participating
retail locations.
Source: www.energystar.gov
NOTE: Light color, or appearance, matches a temperature on the
Kelvin scale (K). The lower numbered K means warmer,
yellowish light, while higher K means cooler, bluer light.
Visit www.iowabebright.com or
www.illinoisbebright.com.
888-427-5632
www.midamericanenergy.com/ee