With the rise in popularity of LED light bulbs, you’ve likely heard talk of energy savings and lighting. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an average household dedicates roughly 5 percent of its energy budget to lighting. Therefore, making the switch to energy-efficient light bulbs is one of the fastest and easiest ways to cut back on your energy consumption.

This begs the question, what makes LEDs the best light bulbs for saving money? First, they are far more efficient than the light bulbs of the past. Light bulb efficiency, or efficacy, as it is called, is measured by dividing the light output of the blub (lumens) by its power input (watts). Simply put, LED bulbs draw significantly less power to produce the same light output as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.

Furthermore, we all know from experience that traditional incandescent light bulbs emit a lot of heat. In fact, incandescent light bulbs produce light by heating a metal filament until it becomes white hot. Therefore, according to ENERGY STAR, incandescent bulbs release about 90 percent of their energy as heat.

If you already have an LED bulb in your home, you have likely noticed that they do not give off heat in the same way. LEDs utilize what are called heat sinks to absorb the heat produced and dissipate it into the surrounding environment. This allows the bulbs to last much longer by preventing them from overheating and burning out. This increased lifespan, coupled with the low energy usage, make LEDs a smart choice for long-term cost savings.

From decorative, stylish bulbs, to ones that mimic the look of traditional incandescent bulbs, today, there are LEDs for almost every residential application. If you’re interested in estimating just how much money you could save by making the switch to LED bulbs, check out ENERGY STAR’s Light Bulb Savings Calculator. For additional information on LEDs, read our recent post on what to consider when shopping for LED light bulbs.

More questions? Ask an expert at your local ALA-member lighting showroom. The professionals there can show you the best selection of high-quality LED bulbs and help you choose which bulbs are right for you.

Photo by Bulbrite.