Selecting the Right Light Bulbs for the Home

In concluding this three-part November series on smart-home tech, we focus on the simplest of items – the light bulb.

Many of us have already converted parts of our home with more energy-efficient lighting. When a bulb burns out, we usually select something that will last longer and save us a few bucks along the way. 

Admittedly, newer model bulbs cost more than incandescent varieties but the long-term savings can add up. The Energy Department figured we can save about $75 a year when switching to five energy-saving bulbs. And that doesn’t factor in the extended lifespan of the newer versions, with some lasting 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.

In theory, you could be saving hundreds of dollars a year by making the switch. Do the math!

There are three main types of energy-efficient bulbs: halogen incandescent, compact fluorescent light (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED). They all have their upsides and few downsides.

Halogen offers the closest form of light to original incandescent bulbs – bright illumination with durability – and making the switch is routine and seamless. They produce the same amount of light as a traditional bulb while using about 25% less energy. (Lighting consumes about 7% of all energy usage in a typical U.S. household.)

CFL bulbs are best known for their curly-tube shape and deliver several thousands of hours of light for a fraction of the cost. While a popular choice, CFLs don’t offer immediate brightness when turned on.

LED lights are arguably the go-to option for many households when selecting a versatile, energy-efficient bulb. LEDs offer far higher efficiency than other types, as well as deliver bright, natural daylight and last up to 50,000 hours – up to 25 times longer than incandescents. Their long-term savings outweigh the higher up-front cost to purchase. 

LEDs come in “smart” versions. That means they can be programmed through an app and controlled remotely. Consumer Reports notes the TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFI bulb (KL125) works well after pairing each bulb on the app. Cree and Philips also offer quality smart LED bulbs.

While we are making comparisons, it is also worth understanding the labeling or when reading the description online. After all, bulbs come in all shapes, sizes and uses.

There are some key facts to compare. They include brightness as measured in lumens (more lumens mean more light), energy used as measured in lumens per watt, appearance as described in color temperature (from warm to cool), and color accuracy. It’s usually all there for you to see:

Warmer lights usually appear in areas of the home where you want to set a mood, while cooler lighting tend to work well in space that requires brightness such as the bathroom vanity, garage, shed or workshop. Omni-directional bulbs cast light in all directions and work well in most locations, while consumers often choose a spotlight for use outdoors, in utility rooms or closets.

It’s also important to note whether the bulbs are “dimmable” – a term that will appear on the package or on the bulb itself. For example, a non-dimmable LED bulb won’t react when added to a fixture attached to a dimmer switch. CFL bulbs may change color when they are put on a dimmer switch and shorten their lifespan. This issue can also apply to three-way lamps that are intended to produce low, medium and high amounts of light.

In all cases, remember to look for the Energy Star logo on the packaging to know you’re buying a tested and approved bulb.

Replacing incandescent bulbs in your home with high-efficiency lights is a great way forward to reducing your carbon footprint – if, that is, household members remember to either turn those lights off when leaving for work or to put some lights on a timer when planning a longer absence.

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I developed a guide called Smart-home Technology: Planning and budgeting for the newest advances in safe living. It’s yours to download free at the website Smart-Homes.Technology.

Earlier parts of this November series on smart-home tech include:

(Editor’s note: A portion of this article was updated in February 2024 with insights from Consumer Reports.)