Types of Lighting
You'll find that you have several options to consider when selecting what type of lighting you should use in your home.
When selecting energy-efficient lighting, it's a good idea to understand basic lighting terms and principles. Also, it helps to explore your lighting options for indoors and/or outdoors if you haven't already. This will help narrow your selection.
Types of lighting include:
- Fluorescent lighting
- High-intensity discharge lighting
- Incandescent lighting
- Low-pressure sodium lighting
- Outdoor solar lighting
- LED lighting (light-emitting diodes)
You can use the chart below to compare the different types of lighting.
| Lighting Type | Efficacy (lumens/ watt) | Lifetime (hours) | Color Rendition Index (CRI) | Color Temperature (K) | Indoors/ Outdoors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Incandescent | |||||
| Standard "A" bulb | 10–17 | 750–2500 | 98–100 (excellent) | 2700–2800 (warm) | Indoors/ outdoors |
| Energy-Saving Incandescent (or Halogen) | 12–22 | 1,000–4,000 | 98–100 (excellent) | 2900–3200 (warm to neutral) | Indoors/ outdoors |
| Reflector | 12–19 | 2000–3000 | 98–100 (excellent) | 2800 (warm) | Indoors/ outdoors |
Fluorescent | |||||
| Straight tube | 30–110 | 7000–24,000 | 50–90 (fair to good) | 2700–6500 (warm to cold) | Indoors/ outdoors |
| Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) | 50–70 | 10,000 | 65–88 (good) | 2700–6500 (warm to cold) | Indoors/ outdoors |
| Circline | 40–50 | 12,000 | Indoors | ||
High-Intensity Discharge | |||||
| Mercury vapor | 25–60 | 16,000–24,000 | 50 (poor to fair) | 3200–7000 (warm to cold) | Outdoors |
| Metal halide | 70–115 | 5000–20,000 | 70 (fair) | 3700 (cold) | Indoors/ outdoors |
| High-pressure sodium | 50–140 | 16,000–24,000 | 25 (poor) | 2100 (warm) | Outdoors |
Light-Emitting Diodes | |||||
| Cool White LEDs | 60–92 | 25,000–50,000 | 70–90 (fair to good) | 5000 (cold) | Indoors/ outdoors |
| Warm White LEDs | 27–54 | 25,000–50,000 | 70–90 (fair to good) | 3300 (neutral) | Indoors/ outdoors |
| Low-Pressure Sodium | 60–150 | 12,000–18,000 | -44 (very poor) | Outdoors | |
Learn More
Product Information
Lighting Buyers Guide
ENERGY STAR®
Professional Services
Find a Lighting Designer
International Association of Lighting Designers
Certified Lighting Professional Locator
National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions
