Energy Efficiency Explained

Energy Saving Halogen Bulbs save 30 percent of the energy used by incandescent bulbs.

Readers of The Energy Efficient Light Bulb Buyer’s Guide will know that there are light fixtures where CFLs won’t work, and LEDs are not quite ready for prime time.  What’s the solution?

Energy Saving Halogen Bulbs!

These modified incandescent bulbs look very much like standard incandescent bulbs and cost just a bit more, but you can use them anywhere–on timers, with dimmers, in closets, garages, reading lamps, or any other fixture.  And they contain no mercury, so you don’t have to deal with recycling or hazardous waste disposal.

Energy Saving Halogen Bulbs don’t save as much energy as CFLs, only about 30 percent less compared to 75 percent or more for CFLs.  But they do meet the first level of the new efficiency standards for bulbs in the U.S. and the U.K.  And they will start saving you money now.

Warning: Not all halogen bulbs will save you energy!  Even though halogen bulbs are more efficient at creating light from heat, special filters and coatings are used on the inside of the bulb to increase the amount of light coming from the bulb.  A 75-watt halogen bulb still uses 75 watts of energy.

Make sure the halogen bulb package says “energy saver” or gives an actual percentage of energy savings compared to standard incandescent bulbs, typically 25 to 30 percent.  The package should say something like, “53 watts = 75 watts.”

You can find energy saving halogen bulbs at Home Depot and on Amazon.

For more information about how to save money and energy with energy saving halogen bulbs, as well as CFLs and LEDs, order The Energy Efficient Light Bulb Buyer’s Guide today!