This document compares the energy efficiency of different types of light bulbs: halogen incandescents, CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), and LEDs (light emitting diodes). It states that halogen incandescents are more efficient than traditional incandescents but still waste most of their energy as heat. CFLs use one-fourth the energy of incandescents and last 10 times longer. LEDs are the most efficient, using only 20-25% of the energy of incandescents and lasting up to 25 times longer, making them the clear winner despite their higher upfront cost.

1. Halogen Incandescents Vs. CFLs Vs. LED Bulbs….
The stage is set for a face-off between Incandescents, CFLs and LEDs to find out the
most energy efficient one…..
The question of energy efficiency while choosing lighting solution is an often neglected
one. This is probably because of the ambiguity there exists in the terminology and people finding
it hard to cope with the pace the industry changes. So here are the absolute basics that you need
to consider in matters of energy efficiency.
But before making the choice ask yourself this:
“What are your lighting choices, anyway?”
Three of the most common energy-efficient lighting types include Halogen incandescents, CFLs,
and LEDs. The first two are commonly available at any average hardware vendor and LEDs are yet to gain
ground in the popularity chart.
Halogen Incandescents
Halogen incandescents have a capsule inside that holds gas around a filament to increase bulb
efficiency. They are available in a wide range of shapes and colors, and they can be used wi th dimmers.
Traditional incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy to produce light and are henceforth going to
be manufactured in meagre quantities owing to the widespread reach of the authorities in spreading
the word.
This is very fair and an honest step in the right direction. The fact that 90% of the energy is given
off as heat and that the lost energy is money we are throwing away definitely supports the claim.
Besides, we need not worry anymore as there are more dynamic options to choose form in terms of your
lighting needs.
Newer energy-saving light bulbs provide the choices in colors and light levels you've come to
expect. The new lights are also much more efficient -- so they save you money.

2. Tubes and CFLs
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are simply curly versions of the long tube fluorescent lights
you may already have in a kitchen or garage. A CFL is just a tube light wrapped in a spiral to fit in the space
of an incandescent bulb. The principle of operation (and so the approximate efficiency) is the same.
They're both "fluorescent lights".
In terms of energy efficiency, they're very close. Some CFLs are slightly more efficient than some
tube lights, and they are negligible. The difference is the wattage spent in the ballast of the long tubes. In
monetary terms they might amount close to .30 – 40 per year. But both are better off choices than
incandescent bulb.
A 13 watt fluorescent provides about the same light as a 60 watt incandescent bulb. CFLs can pay
for themselves in less than nine months, and then start saving you money each month. An ENERGY STAR-qualified
CFL uses about one-fourth the energy and lasts ten times longer than a comparable traditional
incandescent bulb that puts out the same amount of light. A CFL uses about one-third the energy of a
halogen incandescent.
They do however pose an environmental hazard. They contain a small amount of mercury, and
they should always be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
LEDs

3. Finally, Light Emitting Diode or LEDs, as they are commonly known, are state-of-the-art solid-state
lighting systems-- semiconductors that convert electricity into light. Once used only in indicator and
traffic lights, LEDs in white light, general illumination applications are one of todays most energy-efficient
and rapidly-developing technologies. ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use only 20%–25% of the energy and
last up to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they replace. LEDs use 25%–30% of the
energy and last 8 to 25 times longer than halogen incandescents.
They also offer a more dynamic and decorative array of choices. While LEDs are more expensive
at this early stage, they still save money because they last a long time and have very low energy use. As
with other electronics, prices are expected to come down as more products enter the market.
So, LEDs emerge as clear winner with CFLs and Fluorescent tubes following suit. But it is high
time we start bidding goodbye to traditional halogen incandescents and greet a brighter and more
efficient tomorrow.