Skip Navigation to main content U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Bringing you a prosperous future where energy is clean, abundant, reliable, and affordable
Energy Savers
Your HomeYour VehicleYour WorkplaceRebates, Tax Credits and FinancingProducts and ServicesRenewable EnergyInformation ResourcesHome
Your Home
Apartments Appliances and Electronics Designing and Remodeling Electricity Energy Audits Insulation and Air Sealing Landscaping Lighting and Daylighting Lighting Principles and Terms Design Types Controls Replacing Lamps and Ballasts Maintenance Turning Off Lights Daylighting Space Heating and Cooling Water Heating Windows, Doors and Skylights
Learn More

Product Information

Find Appliance Rebates in Your State
Bookmark and Share Printable Version

Standard Incandescent Lamps

Known as the screw-in "A"-type light bulb, standard incandescent lamps are the most common—but the most inefficient—light source available.

These standard incandescent lamps produce light from a tiny coil of tungsten wire that glows when it is heated by an electrical current.

Larger wattage incandescent bulbs have a higher efficacy than smaller wattage bulbs. However, a larger wattage lamp or bulb may not be the most energy- or cost-effective option, depending on how much light is needed.

"Long-life" bulbs, with thicker filaments, are a variation of these A-type bulbs. Although these bulbs last longer than their counterparts, they are less energy efficient.