Common lightbulbs now sold in the United States typically use about 25%-80% less energy than traditional incandescents. Many bulbs meet these new standards, including halogen incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs. The new bulbs provide a wide range of choices in color and brightness, and many of them last much longer than traditional lightbulbs. The lighting standards, which phased in from 2012-2014, do not ban incandescent or any specific bulb type; they say that bulbs need to use about 25% less energy. The bipartisan Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) established these efficiency standards.
The new energy-saving lightbulbs -- halogen incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs -- could save you about $50 per year when you replace 15 traditional incandescent bulbs in your home.
Measuring Light in Lumens
The new efficiency standards require lightbulbs to consume less electricity (watts) for the amount of light produced (lumens). For example, the traditional, inefficient incandescent 100 watt (W) bulbs gave way to choices -- including halogen incandescent bulbs -- that use only 72W or less to provide you a comparable amount of light (lumens). If you are replacing a 100W bulb, a good rule of thumb is to look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. Your new bulb should provide that level of brightness for no more than 72W, cutting your energy bill. Learn more about lumens.
Traditional, inefficient 100W incandescent lightbulbs do not meet the standards and are no longer available at most stores.* However, you have many other options that will save you money.
New Lighting Standards Will Save You Money
The savings can add up. Upgrading 15 inefficient incandescent bulbs in your home could save you about $50 per year. Since most of the bulbs also have longer life spans, you'll continue to save into the future. Nationwide, lighting accounts for about 10% of home electricity use. With new EISA standards, U.S. households could save nearly $6 billion dollars in 2015 alone.
Various specialty lightbulbs, such as appliance, heavy-duty, colored, and three-way bulbs, are exempt from the new standards.
See our Frequently Asked Questions for the specific related language in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007).
Learn More
- Learn about lighting choices to save you money
- Find out how to shop for energy-efficient lighting
- Get answers to frequently asked questions
- Find information for lightbulb retailers
- Find information for media
* The EISA 2007 act specifically limits the import or manufacture of inefficient bulbs. Stores will be able to sell remaining inventory.
