Incandescent Lightbulbs

How Do They Work?

• When electric currents move through a tungsten wire, the tungsten wire heats up and produces light.

Making a Sustainable Choice

• Only about 8% of the energy they use creates visible light.
• The rest of the energy is wasted as heat!

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)

How Do They Work?

• When electricity passes through a gas-filled glass tube, a special coating inside the tube produces light.

Making a Sustainable Choice

• About 21% of the energy they use creates visible light.
• Most of our energy comes from coal-fired power plants that put mercury into the environment.
• Even though CFLs contain a tiny bit of mercury, they reduce the overall amount of mercury that goes into the environment by using less energy.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

How Do They Work?

• Electricity passes through semiconductors to make light
• New white-light LEDs work in your home just like incandescent bulbs and CFLs

Making a Sustainable Choice

• About 20-30% of the energy they use creates visible light.
• LED technology is changing rapidly. Check the stores often for new products as they hit the shelves!

When Thinking of Lighting Costs, Consider...

• Initial cost: How much will the bulb cost when you first buy it?
• Lifespan: How often will you have to replace the bulb?
• Energy use: How much energy does the bulb use?

Table 1. Light Source Comparison

• To make certain that you are purchasing a quality product, choose bulbs with the Energy Star® logo.
• Be sure to purchase bulbs from a reputable manufacturer.
• For best results, choose white-light LEDs.

What the Package Can Tell You...

How much Power does the bulb use?

• Power usage is measured in watts.
• The greater the wattage, the more power used.

How bright is the light?

• Brightness is measured in lumens.
• The larger the number, the more lumens, the brighter the light.

How long does the bulb last?

• Average lifespan is measured in hours.

All of these things can tell you how much the lighting really costs!

Choose the bulb that is right for you!

• People with limited sight abilities need lighting that can help prevent falls and improve daily activities.
• Any bulb can enhance safety and security when used the right way.

Gina Peek, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist
Housing & Consumer Issues

Jan Johnston, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist
Gerontology

Paulette Hebert, Ph.D.
Professor and Chris Salmon Professor
Design, Housing & Merchandising