What is the most energy efficient light bulb?

Question

I need them for a 6" recessed light.

Is halogen energy effiecent?

incandescent?

flourescent?

LED?

Which one gives off better light and is energy efficient?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The one you never turn on......

Answer 2

flourescent

Answer 3

In order of least to most efficient: incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, LED.

Halogen is a type of incandescent lamp that lasts longer than earlier incandescents but that gives off a more intense heat.

LEDs are the most efficient by far, but they are generally far more expensive -- and their light tends to be more directional, whereas other bulbs project their light 360 degrees.

For this reason, CFLs are currently your best bet. High-quality CFL is give off the same light as regular incandescent bulbs and last for as much as 7-9 years. There are also easily the most economical choice for home lighting. They cost a little bit more, but they will pay for themselves in terms of energy bill savings within a matter of months -- incandescent bulbs will multiply their cost many times over during their short life because of the inefficiency with which they convert electricity into light.

My recommendation would be to install CFLs now -- and to look forward to replacing them with the next generation of LEDs when the CFLs finally expire on you several years from now.

Answer 4

Technically, an LED is not a light bulb. It stands for "light emitting diode" You can't buy a LED light bulb. You can buy LED fixtures, most of which last 50,000 hrs. (Approx. 25 yrs) When the light goes out, you can't buy a bulb to replace it. You have to buy a whole new fixture.

For the LED option for a 6" recessed can, look into the LR6 Module. It's VERY expensive, but is the most energy-efficient out there. The module itself comes with the trim, so if you have an existing 6" housing, remove the trim and bulb and the module slips right in as one piece.

Answer 5

Halogens get quite hot, though they are more efficient than incandescent.  CFL, or compact flourescent, is the best way to go.  You can get the same amount of light from either incandescent or halogen, and it only uses about 1/4 of the power.  CFL's for recessed spot lighting (to fit inside a "can") have just made it out on the market and is usually found next to the other types/sizes of spot lighting at your local home improvement center.  They'll be a few dollars more, but worth it, and use the normal s***w-in fixures.  Go to a larger store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc. for bigger selection).  Sometimes flourescents can be purchased for different spectrums (red, blue, etc.), but as far as I know this is only available in the tube form of lighting (2 ft., 4 ft, etc).

Halogens burn brighter, hotter, are a little more efficient, last longer and cost more (than traditional incandescent).  Hotter is the key word, but they have a purer, constant light.  The CFL will be about the same price, but burns cooler, lasts longer, and is even more efficient.

LED lighting is the most efficient, although it is just emerging into the recessed lighting arena, usually in the form of "puck" lights or cord lighting, usually for installation under cabinets, shelves, along stairs, in theaters, etc.  You can get battery-powered pucks, although they're not very bright.  It'll be nice when LED becomes more available in forms other than puck, cord, and Christmas lights.

Answer 6

LEDs are the most efficient and longest-lasting light sources, but also the most expensive. LEDs are progressing rapidly, but right now compact fluorescents are your best combination of color rendering (look for "warm"), cost and efficiency.

Answer 7

Fluorescent and led bulbs are more efficient.

Answer 8

The best lightbulb to use is the compact fluorescent lightbulb, or CFLs. These lightbulbs are a little more expensive at first but they last a lot longer, like 6,000 to 15,000 hours compared to incandescent which usually only gets a life of 1,000 hours. These lightbulbs can save you money on energy and can save 2000 times its own weight in greenhouse gas emissions. Also with new technology these lightbulbs are now able to give off a more soft white glow that used to deter people from using them in the first place. CFL is the way to go if your looking to be eco friendly and save money on energy. And now you can recycle them at Home Depot!

Answer 9

A dead one.   Doesn't use any energy, even when turned on.