Your roadmap for a healthy green life

  1. Find out your current healthy green score with our five-minute quiz
  2. Discover what to do next from 400+ actions & track your progress
  3. Share and compare with your friends & neighbors
Superbly Green
Your Action Status
Not Committed Yet
Sign in or join now to get started
Points
Energy Energy 5
Badges

Frugalista

Install LEDs or CFLs in 1 light fixture

All Practically Green: 2,150 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: 94 or so people have ADDED this to their action plan so far.

Why is "Install LEDs or CFLs in 1 light fixture" green?

Standard incandescent light bulbs are so inefficient they’re already banned in Europe and will be phased out Stateside in 2012. At most 10 percent of the energy they consume is actually turned into light. The rest is lost as heat. Replacing incandescents with more efficient bulbs will help both the environment and your wallet; new compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs can save you 75 percent or more on your energy bills. Start with one; the more you change, the greater the impact.

CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury, so don’t use them in lamps likely to tip over. If one goes out, you’ll need to dispose of it at a hazardous-waste site or take it to a big-box store that collects them. LEDs cost more and last longer, but don’t contain mercury.

How to: Install LEDs or CFLs in 1 light fixture

When your current inefficient light bulbs die, replace them with a CFL or LED. Mark down the wattage and size of the bulb you need before you shop. This way you’ll find the right brightness and shape.

Your new light will likely be different than what you’re used to. CFLs and LEDs emit a cooler, bluish tone (closer to natural sunlight) than the familiar warm glow of incandescents. If blue light bothers you, check the new bulb’s color temperature before purchasing—this is a number followed by a K. The higher the K-value, the cooler the light. Under 3000K will be most similar to an incandescent, but a 5000K will be quite blue.

  • Plumen Lightbulb
    • (0 Ratings)

    These designer CFL lightbulbs beg to be seen with a sculptural design that can stand on its own. But don't just buy them for their looks--Plumen claims their bulbs last 8 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs and can save you up 80 percent on your energy bills.

  • LEDLight.com
    • (3 Ratings)

    LED Lights has a large inventory of LED light bulbs for residential or commercial use in every wattage, shape, and size you can imagine. From track lighting to flood lighting to general bulbs, they'll take care of your LED needs and help you save on your next electric bill.

  • Earthmate CFL Full Spectrum Bulb
    • (2 Ratings)

    Recommended by energy audit companies, this Energy Star Qualified CFL bulb goes on quickly and has a warmer color tone than most bulbs on the market. Concerned about the mercury in CFLs? Earthmate says theirs contain 75 percent less mercury than other brands.