If you're looking for a way to green your home and save money, look no further than energy-efficient light bulbs! The US Department of Energy estimates that an ENERGY STAR-grade bulb -- that is, a bulb that meets federal government standards for efficiency -- can save about $6 a year in energy costs and $40 over its entire lifetime. The main alternatives to typical incandescent bulbs are LEDs (light emitting diodes) and CFLs (compact florescent lights). Here are some of the differences:
LEDs
LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Sure, the upfront costs can be high -- $40 for the most popular brand, a Philips 12-watt Ambient LED. It can last for 25,000 hours and is dimmable as well. MSN Real Estate estimates that the cost of the bulb can be recouped in three years, with savings of just under $12.80. (The bulb itself should last for 12 years.)
CFLs
Compact florescent lights have the cost advantage against LEDs: you can buy ENERGY STAR grade ones for about $2 a pack, and they last a good 9,000 more hours than incandescents. They also use about 1/5 of the power of incandescents, resulting in a lower energy cost for you in the long run. The downside is that CFLs contain the toxic substance mercury, so you can't dispose of them easily. Home Depot now offers CFL recycling services in all of its retail locations; check your local garbage services or governmental agency to determine their protocol for disposal.
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