Electricity in our homes is something we’ve had for a while. In fact, it is probably something many of us take for granted on a daily basis; we want light and it’s just there with the flick of a switch. We probably don’t often take the time to think about it at all, but we should, at least as it relates to energy efficiency.

When we first put electricity in homes, it was enough to just have it there, but eventually we realized we could better harness the energy and use it more efficiently. There are two main kinds of bulbs that are used now to increase energy efficiency. Those are Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL).

CFLs

These lights are produce electricity differently than the original incandescent lightbulbs. The electric current goes through a tube containing argon and mercury vapor which creates invisible ultraviolet light that excites a fluorescent coating to emit visible light.

CFLs need a little more energy when first turned on that incandescent bulbs, but after they are on, they use about 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs, so they are a great way to make your home and your lights more efficient by just making a simple switch.

LEDs

LEDs are semiconductor devices that produce visible light when an electrical current is passed through them. These lights can be even more energy efficient than CFLs. LEDs are also designed differently than CFLs because they aren’t a light bulb that burns out. Instead of burning out, LEDs experience lumen depreciation which is when the light produced decreases or the color changes.

LEDs are more expensive upfront, but that expense can save you money in the long run. LEDs are much more durable and long-lasting than incandescent bulbs and CFLs.

Take a minute and stop and think about the energy efficiency of your lighting. Is this something you should make an investment in? If it is, you should look into CFLs and LEDs for your home!