One of the most frequent questions we hear is, “What’s the most energy-efficient light bulb I can use?” At Kolb Electric, we’re here to help you choose the best type of lighting for your Maryland, DC or Virginia home, and we want you to be well-informed about the energy efficient options that are out there. If you’re wanting to save even more, here’s everything you need to know about energy efficient lighting.

The two main choices for energy-efficient lighting in your home are light emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent lights (CFL). Both are a good choice, and both have unique benefits and drawbacks. Making the decision between the two requires a proper understanding of these benefits and drawbacks.

These two lighting options are so much more efficient and beneficial to the environment that incandescent bulbs have been gradually phased out in the United States. By 2020, all general-purpose bulbs must be able to produce at least 45 lumens per watt, which is a similar efficiency as that of CFL bulbs. It is becoming increasingly difficult to purchase traditional general-purpose incandescent bulbs in light of this phase out, though specialty bulbs are still available.

LED bulbs create light using a semiconductor to generate light energy. LED bulbs use about 1/30th of the energy used in incandescent bulbs and 1/3rd the energy in CFLs. They also last a long time—as much as 35 times the lifespan of an incandescent bulb—so you don’t have to worry about replacement regularly. With the energy savings and longer lifespan, estimates indicate you can lower your carbon footprint by as much as 85 percent simply by switching from incandescent technology to LED technology.

With an LED bulb, you can light your room with bright light and minimal energy use. Also, these bulbs generate very little heat energy, which means they are safe to touch. They are also quite durable and do not break easily, which means they are the preferred option for hard-to-reach places where a delicate glass bulb is in danger of shattering.

If that makes LED lights sound perfect, you need to know the one main drawback. LED lights are one of the most expensive options for lighting your home. While they lower your energy bills and have the longest lifespan of the available options, if your upfront budget is low, then this option may not work for you.

CFL bulbs bend a traditional fluorescent tube into a light bulb-shaped configuration. These are more affordable than LED bulbs and significantly more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they don’t quite last as long or save as much energy as LED bulbs.

With CFLs, you are able to lower your energy use by 60 percent as compared to incandescent bulbs that provide the same amount of light. They last about 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs, so you have less frequent need of replacement. While not as cheap as incandescent bulbs, CFLs are priced around $4 to $15 a piece. This is a more moderate price point than LEDs.

So why would you overlook the CLF in favor of LEDs? CFLs are more efficient than incandescent lighting, but they are not as efficient as LEDs. If you’re looking to have the most efficient option on the market, CLFs are not that option.

The answer to which lighting option you should choose depends largely on your goals. Is your goal to have the most efficient lighting available? Then you want LED bulbs. Are you adding a light bulb to a place that is hard to reach or not accessed regularly? The longevity and durability of LEDs makes them the best choice for this. Is your goal to go efficient while on a tight budget? Then CFLS will work best.

Regardless of the choice you make, both CLFs and LED lighting help you save money, lower your carbon footprint and do your part to make the world a better place with less environmentally damaging waste. If you’re curious about which lighting option will best meet your family’s needs or have further questions about the differences between LEDs and CFLS, Kolb Electric is here to help. Contact us today to have all of your questions answered!

Fun Fact: According to studies conducted by photobiologist Dr. John Nash Ott, overall academic achievement improved and hyperactivity problems dissipated when students were taught in classrooms containing full-spectrum lighting. *Full spectrum light fixtures emulate natural light from the sun. You can find many contemporary lighting options at Capitol Lighting that feature full spectrum lighting.

Supplying our children with the full spectrum light is more important to promoting their academic success than providing them with the greatest tutoring services in the world. Full-spectrum lighting should be standard in all rooms where children spend a considerable amount of time. Children’s bedrooms and study areas should be furnished with layered sources of full spectrum light, including dimmers, to accommodate their daily circadian rhythms. This promotes restful sleep, and allows children to perform at their best in school.

Full spectrum lighting from Capitol Lighting offers benefits for beyond the classroom, office spaces should be equipped with full spectrum lighting to promote maximum productivity and energy levels.

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom to view contemporary lighting ideas in table lamps, floor lamps and overhead lighting. Capitol Lighting has the best selection of contemporary lighting ideas in the country. If there isn’t a showroom nearby, go to 1-800Lighting.com to view our vast selection. The experts at Capitol Lighting can offer you advice regarding placement of light fixtures, installation of different types of lights, and tips on types of lighting. Let their certified lighting professionals help your family reap the benefits of full-spectrum lighting for optimum health and mental acuity.

In one of our recent blog articles, we discussed Indoor Electrical Safety and the areas of your home you should be aware of in order to prevent a fire or potential injury.

In this article, we will be going over Outdoor Electrical Safety – safety measures that are just as important if not more important than indoor electrical safety measures. Being outdoors, your devices, tools, or cords are exposed to temperature change, weathering and tampering that could reduce the safety and security of your home.

Review and follow these basic safety rules when using electricity outdoors. If your outdoor activities do not abide by the safety guidelines discussed, consult an electrician and immediately resolve the issue.

Safety Rules:

For more indoor or outdoor safety rules and guidelines, contact Expert Electric. 604-681-8338.