The ENERGY STAR Choose A Light Guide
Usage Tips
To have the best experience possible, keep the following tips in mind:
Hold the base and not the ‘glass’ to screw in the bulb.
Read the packaging to see where each bulb should be used. Not all ENERGY STAR certified bulbs are designed to work in every socket. Most photocells and timers are not designed to work with LEDs. Check with your photocell or timer manufacturer for compatibility.
Every time you are using an ENERGY STAR certified product you are saving energy, money, and greenhouse gas emissions.
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Light Temperature Tips: Choose Your Mood
While most LED light bulbs come in “warm” colors to match the yellowish light of incandescent bulbs, you can also choose “cooler” colors with whiter and bluish hues for reading and task lighting. Color in lighting is measured on the Kelvin scale (K) and is marked on the bulb packaging. For warmer color look for 2700K, 4000K gives a bright white light and 6000–6500K is bluer and most like daylight.
Bulb-Specific Tips: How to Choose
A-shaped bulbs combine the efficiency of the spiral bulbs, with the look and feel of the traditional incandescent. These products are great for consumers who don’t A-Line_200x200like the look of the spiral bulbs but still want efficient lighting. You can use A-shaped bulbs wherever you used to use traditional incandescent bulbs, such as clip-on lamp shades. Check the packaging for compatibility with dimmers and three-way fixtures.
Globe
Globe-shaped bulbs are ideal for use where you can see the bulbs, like bathroom vanity bars and ceiling pendants. A globe bulb is basically a spiral bulb with a decorative cover.
Tubed Bulbs
Basically straight versions of the the old CFL spiral bulbs, tubed bulbs work well in lamps that have slender covers such as wall sconces.
Candle Bulbs
These products are ideal for use in decorative fixtures where you can see the light bulb. The sleek shape also allows you to use them in tight fitting light fixtures where a covered globe won’t fit.
Indoor Reflector Bulbs
Reflector bulbs are perfect for providing directional light — think of recessed ceiling lights in kitchens or ceiling fans. Indoor reflector bulbs are much smaller then those that are designed for outdoor use. Some indoor reflector bulbs can be used with a dimmer — the packaging will tell you.