 Energy saving decorative lights come in many forms, starting with Energy Star decorative lights and fixtures. Energy Star is a government backed program that certifies lighting is energy efficient and meet strict guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy.
Energy Star light bulbs are most often are pin-based light bulbs, which means they do not screw into a socket. They are brighter and also have the added benefit of a longer lamp life. These pin-based light bulbs are tested to last 10,000 hours, as compared to 6,000 hours for screw-in bulbs.
Energy Star decorative lighting isn’t limited to pin-based light bulbs. They are also available in fluorescent products in the form of chandeliers, pendants, wall sconces, vanity bath lights, ceiling mounted fixtures, recessed cans, outdoor lanterns, and also compact and circular line lamps.
Energy Star decorative lighting is designed and tested to withstand heat. This means they are tested to make sure they do not exceed the maximum temperature in the bulb ballast.
Energy Star decorative light bulbs maintain color consistency and are positively aesthetic in other ways as well. Energy Star fixtures are based on pin-based bulbs. The bulbs do not protrude beyond decorative glass and the glass color and opacity. Energy Star fixtures ship with the lamps, which means they are the same color temperature.
Energy Star lamps are tested in independent labs that meet strict efficiency, performance, and quality criteria. This assures you get quality products.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) come in many colors and shapes and are adaptable to most lamps. This means they can be used in both newer lamps and older lamps. To maintain their long life, it is important to use a power strip protector with them, as well as to leave them on for at least 15 minutes at a time.
CFL bulbs are the non-traditional light bulbs that instead of being in a “bulb” shape are swirled. They come in myriad shapes, sizes, and colors of light. While their initial cost is more than incandescent, they use about one-fourth of the energy that incandescent bulbs do and also last 10,000 hours. After about 500 hours of use the energy saved pays for the extra investment. CFL bulbs release less heat and also are safer.
LED lights are currently expensive. However, they do come built into beautiful decorative lamps and their price will decrease with supply and demand.
LED is short for light emitting diodes. This technology is exceptionally energy efficient and the bulbs also last exceptionally long. LED lights can reduce energy consumption by 80%-90% and last around 100,000 hours. Most LED lamps have the bulbs built into them, which means you buy the complete unit. While they are expensive now, supply and demand will assure that the price will steadily go down.
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