Light Bulbs - Save Energy, Save Money

Light bulbs can actually save you money! You may not have thought that light bulbs fit in well with your energy-saving plan, but if you choose light bulbs wisely, you may be surprised at what you save on electricity and on long-term costs. Long-term costs, such as replacing light bulbs, can have an overall effect on your budget, as can the sky rocketing costs of energy. First, when looking at bulbs, make note of the types of bulbs available. The most popular and widely used light bulb is the incandescent bulb. The incandescent bulb was the very first type of lighting availble and was invented by Thomas Edison. You can buy incandescent lights for ceiling fans, track lighting, tube shapes, and chandeliers. However, this type of light bulb is the least energy efficient.

Another type of bulb is the fluorescent light bulb, which is considered an energy saver. Fluorescent light bulbs come in both a tube shape and coiled shape for uses in businesses, office space, and a traditional socket for light bulbs. Halogen light bulbs are the most effective energy saving type of lighting for your home. Halogen lighting produces 50% more light than that of an incandescent bulb, but uses the exact same amount of energy. Halogen lights also last as 3 times as long as the incandescent bulb. As you shop for different light bulbs, think on a long-term basis. Look for life expectancy, which is technically how long the light bulb can be lit, and wattage. Halogen light bulbs have a longer life than both incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent bulbs.