Which Lighting Fixtures Have The Highest Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency has become increasingly important in lighting design and selection. With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, there is a push to find the most energy efficient lighting options that provide high quality illumination. Studies have shown that energy efficient lighting can reduce lighting electricity use by 50% or more (Guide to Energy Efficient Lighting, Department of Energy). This not only saves money on electricity bills but also reduces the carbon footprint. Some key factors that determine the energy efficiency of a light fixture include the type of lamp, brightness, controllability through dimming, and smart capabilities.
This article provides an overview of different lighting fixture types, comparing their relative energy efficiencies. It analyzes how factors like brightness, dimming, and smart controls impact efficiency. The goal is to educate readers on the most energy efficient options so they can make informed lighting choices that save energy and money.
LED Lighting
LED lighting has become one of the most energy efficient options available. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money). This drastic reduction in energy use makes LED bulbs the most efficient lighting technology.
LEDs work by passing electricity through a semiconductor to create light. This process produces very little heat compared to incandescent bulbs, which release 90% of their energy as heat (https://www.huttonpowerandlight.com/blog/led-vs-incandescent-lighting-a-cost-comparison/). The lack of heat allows LEDs to use energy far more efficiently to produce light.
In addition, LEDs can last anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 hours, compared to just 1,000 hours for an incandescent. This exceptional lifespan, combined with efficiency, makes LED lighting the most energy saving option currently available.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lighting, also known as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) offer high efficiency relative to incandescent lighting. Unlike incandescent bulbs, which produce light by heating a filament, fluorescent bulbs use electricity to excite mercury vapor that produces ultraviolet light, which then causes a phosphor coating inside the bulb to emit visible light. This makes fluorescent bulbs more energy efficient. According to one source “Fluorescent, or CFL bulbs, are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, but not as efficient as LEDs.”1
Compact fluorescent bulbs were developed to replace incandescent bulbs and fit standard light sockets. They use 70-75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 6-10 times longer. While not as efficient as LEDs, fluorescent lighting became popular as a cheaper alternative to incandescent lighting that still provided substantial energy savings.
Halogen Lighting
Halogen lighting is more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, but less efficient than LED and CFL lighting. Halogen bulbs use 20-30% less energy than incandescents by using halogen gas to increase bulb efficiency and life (Source). The halogen cycle allows the filament to burn hotter, producing more light per watt. However, they still convert only 5-10% of energy to light, wasting most of their energy as heat (Source).
While better than old-fashioned incandescents, halogens lag behind LED and CFL options, which can convert over 20% of energy into light. Halogens also have shorter lifespans of 1,000-4,000 hours compared to 10,000-25,000 hours for LEDs and 8,000-15,000 hours for CFLs. So halogen lighting provides only an incremental efficiency improvement over incandescent bulbs.
Incandescent Lighting
Incandescent bulbs are the oldest technology and have very low energy efficiency, typically converting only 5-10% of energy used into visible light. The remaining 90-95% of energy is lost as heat. Despite their inefficiency, incandescent bulbs remained popular for decades due to their low initial cost and warm, familiar light quality. However, many countries have now begun phasing out incandescent bulbs in favor of more efficient options. The European Union completed its phase-out in 2012, and the United States phased out most general service incandescent bulbs between 2012-2014. Some specialty incandescent bulbs remain available but make up a small and shrinking share of the lighting market.
Comparing Efficiencies
When comparing the energy efficiency of different lighting types, LED bulbs come out on top as the most efficient option. According to research from Elemental Green, LED bulbs are able to convert over 80% of energy into light, whereas incandescent bulbs only convert about 10-15% of energy into light. CFL bulbs fall in the middle, with an efficiency of around 60-80%.
Here is a summary table showing the efficiencies of common lighting types:
| Lighting Type | Efficiency |
|---|---|
| LED | 80-90% |
| CFL | 60-80% |
| Halogen | 20-30% |
| Incandescent | 10-15% |
As the table shows, LED and CFL bulbs convert far more of their energy consumption into useful light compared to old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. This makes LED and CFL the most energy efficient options currently available.
Cost Savings
One of the biggest benefits of higher efficiency lighting is the significant long-term cost savings. According to Department of Energy estimates, lighting accounts for about 15% of an average home’s electricity use. By switching to LED lighting, the average household can save around $225 per year in energy costs (source).
Over the 20+ year lifespan of an LED bulb, the energy savings really add up. One analysis estimates that switching entirely to LEDs can save around $4,000 in electricity costs over 20 years (source). That’s because LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs for the same brightness.
For commercial buildings upgrading to efficient lighting like LEDs and fluorescents, the savings can be even more substantial. Energy Star estimates reducing lighting electricity usage by 90% through bulb upgrades (source). Considering lighting is a major electricity expense for many businesses, the return on investment from efficient upgrades can be very attractive.
Dimmable Options
When choosing energy efficient lighting, it’s important to consider whether you need the lights to be dimmable. Both LED and CFL bulbs are available with dimmable options. According to Lutron, most dimmable CFLs will dim down to 10-30% of full light output, while dimmable LEDs can often dim lower than CFLs. Dimmable LED and CFL bulbs require a compatible dimmer switch to work properly.
Dimmable LED bulbs are readily available from most lighting retailers. Brands like Phillips, GE, and Cree offer dimmable LEDs in a range of shapes, sizes, and light color temperatures. According to The Home Depot, dimmable LEDs do cost more than non-dimmable, but provide the flexibility to control brightness and ambiance.
Dimmable CFLs used to be less common, but are now widely available. Major brands like GE, Philips, and EcoSmart sell dimmable CFL bulbs that work with standard dimmer switches. According to Bulbs.com, dimmable CFLs do not get quite as dim as LEDs, but still reduce power consumption significantly versus incandescents.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting refers to lighting systems that are connected and controllable through the internet and mobile devices. This allows for remote monitoring and control of lighting. Smart lighting provides added efficiency through features like automated scheduling, occupancy sensing, and dimming.
New smart controls allow lighting to be adjusted based on conditions and needs. Lights can be set to turn off when a room is empty or dimmed when full daylight is available, saving energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smart lighting controls can reduce lighting energy usage by 50-70% (1).
Smart bulbs like Philips Hue and LIFX allow dimming and color changing through smartphone apps. These bulbs use LED technology, which already provides efficiency improvements over older lighting. Adding smart controls increases efficiency even further by allowing lights to be fine tuned for the exact needs at any moment.
Sources:
(1) https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/smart-lighting-0
Conclusion
In summary, LED lighting fixtures currently offer the highest energy efficiency compared to other lighting options. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. They also last longer and are more efficient than CFL and halogen bulbs. The upfront cost of LEDs is higher, but they pay for themselves over time through energy savings. Based on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and features, LEDs are typically the best option for most homes and businesses looking to install energy efficient lighting.
When selecting LED lighting, consider dimmable and smart options to further optimize energy use. Dimming LEDs when possible will save even more electricity. Smart LEDs with sensors and app connectivity allow advanced control and automation to ensure lights are only on when needed. Combining the innate efficiency of LEDs with dimming and smart features enables maximum energy and cost savings.
For those seeking the most efficient and cost-effective lighting overall, LED fixtures are the clear recommendation. The higher upfront cost will pay off over years of use. Dimming and smart capabilities further boost LED energy savings when utilized properly. Making the switch to LEDs is one of the best energy-saving upgrades for any home or business.
