Lighting
Bright ideas to make your budget go further.
- Replace outdated lighting with ENERGY STAR® certified lights, which last up to 25 percent longer and use up to 90 percent less electricity than older incandescent bulbs.
- Make use of natural light sources during daytime hours with blinds and skylights.
- Turn your lights off during the day, which can save up to 40 percent.
- Use dimmer switches to save energy and change the mood in a room.
Lighting Facts
Lumens indicate the brightness of a bulb, whereas watts measure energy use.
| Watts (Energy Use) | Lumens (Brightness) Light Output |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent Bulbs | CFL Bulbs | LED Bulbs | |
| 100 watts | 23 watts | 20 watts | 1600 lumens |
| 75 watts | 18 watts | 15 watts | 1100 lumens |
| 60 watts | 12 watts | 10 watts | 800 lumens |
| 40 watts | 9 watts | 8 watts | 450 lumens |
Light color is measured on a temperature scale referred to as Kelvin (K). Lower Kelvin numbers mean the light appears yellower.
- 2700K – 3000K produces warm white light, the standard color of incandescent bulbs.
- 3500K – 4100K generates cool white light, which is good for kitchens and work spaces.
- 5000K – 6500K yields blue-white light, or “daylight,” which is ideal for reading.