Many light bulbs sold in the United States use about 25%-80% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Different types of bulbs meet these new standards, including LEDs, CFLs, and halogen incandescents. These 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 simply require bulbs to use about 25% less energy. The bipartisan Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) established these efficiency standards.

Lighting

Measuring Light in Lumens

Current efficiency standards require lightbulbs to consume less electricity (watts) for the amount of light produced (lumens) compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. For example, inefficient incandescent 100 watt (W) bulbs gave way to choices 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.