Ranking the Most Popular Types of Lighting: From Least to Most Energy Efficient

Lighting plays a huge role in your home’s comfort, function, and style—but it also affects your energy bills. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or updating a bathroom, choosing the right light fixtures and bulbs is about more than just looks. With today’s technology, you can illuminate your home beautifully while saving money and reducing your environmental footprint.

At EHR Contracting, we frequently help homeowners modernize their spaces with smarter, more efficient lighting. Here, we’ll break down the most commonly used types of lighting—incandescent, halogen, CFL, and LED—ranking them from least to most energy efficient so you can make an informed choice for your next project.

1. Incandescent Bulbs

Energy Efficiency Ranking: 🟥 Least Efficient

Overview:
Incandescent bulbs are the traditional light bulbs that have been around for over 100 years. They produce light by heating a metal filament until it glows. While they’re inexpensive to buy, they’re the most energy-consuming and least durable option on the market.

Pros:

• Inexpensive upfront

• Warm, pleasant light

• Widely available

Cons:

• Extremely short lifespan (about 750–1,000 hours)

• Converts 90% of energy into heat, not light

• Being phased out due to inefficiency

Best Use:
Avoid when possible—consider replacing old incandescent bulbs with more modern alternatives during your next renovation.

2. Halogen Bulbs

Energy Efficiency Ranking: 🟧 Slightly Better, Still Inefficient

Overview:
Halogen bulbs are a more advanced form of incandescent lighting. They burn hotter and brighter, but only offer a modest improvement in energy efficiency. While they’re popular in spotlights and under-cabinet lighting, they still waste a significant amount of energy as heat.

Pros:

• Brighter, white light

• Compact size makes them ideal for task lighting

• Slightly more efficient than incandescents

Cons:

• Still generate a lot of heat

• Short lifespan (1,000–2,000 hours)

• Higher risk of burns or fire hazard

Best Use:
Use sparingly, if at all—great for directional lighting or high-intensity tasks, but not ideal for general home use.

3. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Energy Efficiency Ranking: 🟨 Mid-Tier Efficiency

Overview:
CFLs were the first widely available energy-efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs. They use up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer. These spiral-shaped bulbs are still found in many homes, though their popularity is waning as LEDs become more accessible.

Pros:

• Good energy savings

• Reasonable lifespan (7,000–10,000 hours)

• Lower cost than LEDs

Cons:

• Contain trace amounts of mercury (requires proper disposal)

• Can take time to warm up to full brightness

• Less durable than LEDs

Best Use:
A decent option for areas where lighting is used consistently, like hallways, offices, or basement spaces—though many homeowners are now upgrading to LEDs.

4. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Energy Efficiency Ranking: 🟩 Most Efficient

Overview:
LEDs are today’s gold standard in home lighting. They use a fraction of the energy of other bulbs, last 25,000–50,000 hours, and come in a variety of colors, styles, and brightness levels. While slightly more expensive upfront, the long-term savings and performance far outweigh the initial cost.

Pros:

• Extremely energy efficient

• Longest lifespan of all bulb types

• Low heat emission

• Wide variety of styles and color temperatures

• Dimmable and smart-home compatible

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost (though steadily decreasing)

• Some cheaper LEDs may flicker or degrade over time

Best Use:
Ideal for nearly every part of the home: kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, outdoors, and anywhere in between. If you’re renovating, LEDs should be your go-to option.

Bonus: Smart LED Lighting

Even Better Efficiency & Control
Smart LEDs take energy savings to the next level by allowing homeowners to schedule, dim, and automate lighting with ease. Many systems integrate with home automation platforms like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.

Pros:

• Maximize energy savings through automation

• Enhanced convenience and customization

• Remote control via apps or voice commands

Best Use:
Perfect for modern homes, especially in areas where you want control over lighting ambiance and usage—like living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces.

Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Save More

Lighting is no longer just about brightness—it's about efficiency, longevity, and lifestyle. When planning your next home renovation with EHR Contracting, don’t overlook the value of upgrading your lighting system. Whether you're switching out old bulbs or installing all-new fixtures, choosing energy-efficient lighting—especially LEDs—can drastically reduce your electricity bills while improving the look and feel of your home.

Ready to brighten your space the smart way? Contact EHR Contracting today to start your energy-efficient renovation!