Choosing light bulbs is no longer a simple matter of buying a preferred brand with the right wattage. New types of energy saving light bulbs give you a wide choice of lighting types that reduce energy usage while providing all the illumination you need for every fixture in your home.

Here are some of the most common energy saving light bulbs with information on where they can be the most useful.

• Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): CFLs are a popular choice for most standard lighting applications, replacing old-style incandescent bulbs. Room lights and lamps are two of the places where CFLs are often used.
• Halogen Incandescent bulbs: These bulbs are also commonly used in table and floor lamps and bathroom vanity fixtures. They are dimmable and provide a 360-degree glow of light, making them useful in living rooms and bedrooms. They typically use 25 to 30 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb.
• Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs: LED bulbs focus light in one direction rather than spreading light out widely. Some newer types of LEDs, however, have special coatings that distribute light in all directions.  They are typically used in recessed lights in stairwells, living rooms, family rooms, kitchens, and other areas where family members frequently congregate for extended periods of time. LED light is brighter than that produced by halogen or CFL bulbs. These bulbs use only about 20 percent of the energy needed by a comparable incandescent lamp.

Sage Builders, LLC is a general contractor in Newton, MA. Contact us today for more information on energy saving light bulbs and how to choose the most efficient bulbs for your everyday home lighting needs.

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