There are two main types of commercially available energy-efficient light bulbs. These are LEDs and CFLs. Both are better than traditional incandescent light bulbs when it comes to energy efficiency
The efficiency of light bulbs is calculated by comparing the amount of light produced to the amount of energy consumed:
- LED bulbs produce 90 to 112 lumens per watt.
- Compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs produce 40 to 70 lumens per watt.
- Traditional incandescent bulb fixtures only produce 10 to 17 lumens per watt.
There are other considerations:
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs have a life span of eight to 10 years and cost about $4 per bulb.
- LED bulbs last up to 40 or 50 years but can cost over $306 per bulb.
- CFLs contain Mercury which may require special handling for disposal while LEDs do not.
