Energy-efficient light bulbs are becoming more widespread in homes and businesses throughout the country. While these bulbs have a slightly higher price than regular incandescent bulbs, the savings in energy costs make the investment worthwhile. When choosing an energy saving lamp, make sure you know what to look for to find the right bulb at the right price.
Instructions
Know Your Bulb
1.Consider where your new energy-saving light bulb will be used. The size and shape will need to be comparable in your old incandescent bulb. It may help to bring the old light bulb with you when looking for a new one.
2.Look at the current light bulb you are using that you would like to replace. Note how many watts it uses, and keep this information handy when you go to buy a new energy-efficient light bulb. Your new light bulb should use significantly fewer watts. (Therefore, it uses less energy.)
3.Though the wattage will be lower, your new light bulb should produce the same number of lumens (how much light is generated). For example, a 40-watt incandescent light bulb produces 450 lumens. A compact fluorescent light bulb produces the same number of lumens using only 8 to 10 watts.
Find Your Match
4.Two types of  spiral energy saving lamps have become widely used in both residential and commercial settings. Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs are widely used due to their low cost and high energy efficiency. CFLs have been adapted to almost all residential uses of regular incandescent light bulbs. Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are often composed of several small LEDs. These are more expensive than CFLs, but they also save more energy.
5.It's important to check for the Energy Star© rating on your new energy-saving light bulb. This rating ensures that your new light bulb will meet energy-efficiency requirements. It also means that the light bulb has a manufacturer-backed warranty.
6.Compare the number of watts used by different CFL or LED bulbs to achieve the number of lumens you are trying to acquire. If you want 450 lumens, look for the bulb which produces that number using the lowest number of watts. Among the bulbs using the lowest number of watts, choose the one with the lowest price.
Tips & Warnings
A).More efficient light bulbs cost more than regular incandescent bulbs. The savings of buying a bulb that uses only 25 percent of the energy of an incandescent bulb, however, will more than make up for the difference in cost.
B).The "warmth" of the light is measured in Kelvins (K). For a warm white light (like the light produced by incandescent bulbs) choose a bulb with around 2700K. A cool white light is produced by about 5000K.
C).CFLs can be recycled at Home Depot and IKEA stores. Check with other hardware stores and/or your local recycling center to see if they accept them as well.
D).CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. If one breaks, open a window, clean the area carefully and put all the pieces in a sealed plastic bag. Recycle it appropriately and wash your hands afterwards.