There are the regular incandescent bulbs that you are likely most familiar with, but there are also compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs). These new varieties of light bulbs generally cost more than an incandescent bulb, but they last longer, are more energy efficient, and produce better light!

Here are a few facts you should consider before the next time you buy light bulbs.

• CFL bulbs use about 70% less energy than regular incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer!
• CFLs work best after they’ve been turned on for at least 15 minutes. Therefore, frequently turning them on and off will shorten their lifespan.
• LEDs are the most energy efficient bulb on the market today and use as little as 80% les energy than incandescent bulbs.
• LEDs have a longer life than regular light bulbs. In fact, a small LED bulb in a flashlight can last anywhere between 10 and 15 times longer than a similar incandescent light bulb.
• LEDs are more resilient than incandescent bulbs because they don’t have a filament. While incandescent bulbs can break by being bumped or jostled.
• LEDs cost more up front, but will save you money in the long run.
• Use ENERGYSTAR rated light bulbs whenever you can for improved durability, light output, and color quality.
• Incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat. This goes to show how inefficient these light bulbs are, especially compared with LEDs and other modern light bulbs. What’s more, you can easily reduce the amount you need to use your air conditioner in the summer by replacing all of your incandescent bulbs for LEDs or CFLs!

Want to know more about light bulbs? Click here to learn about the history of the light bulb.

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