Green Light: Energy-Efficient Bulbs and Fixtures

It's no secret that only 10 percent of the energy used by incandescent light bulbs produces light. The other 90 percent is lost as heat, which in the warm months is doubly wasteful, as more energy must be used for home cooling. Energy Star-certified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use at least 2/3 less energy than incandescent bulbs while providing the same amount of light over a life span up to 10 times longer than their incandescent rivals. Total energy savings can add up to $30 or more over each bulb's lifetime.

Several websites offer searches and reviews for eco-friendly lighting products. Most consumers will be familiar with Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. EPA and Department of Energy. In addition to home-lighting standards and listings, they offer a home-energy analysis with energy-saving tips.

In response to concerns about the mercury content of fluorescent bulbs, Philips has developed a line of low-mercury fluorescents: ALTO bulbs. These bulbs, which contain about 70% less mercury than regular fluorescents, are available from Black Energy.