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When you're shopping for light bulbs, compare lumens to be sure you're getting the amount of light, or level of brightness, you want. The Lighting Facts Label will help. This label makes it easy to compare bulb brightness, color, life, and estimated operating cost for the year.
Buy Lumens, Not Watts
In the past, we bought light bulbs based on how much energy, or watts, they use. But now it makes more sense to buy lights based on how much light they provide.
When you're shopping for light bulbs, think about the brightness you want by comparing lumens instead of watts. A lumen is a measure of the amount of brightness of a lightbulb -- the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the lightbulb.
What's a Lumen?
Lumens measure how much light you are getting from a bulb. More lumens means it's a brighter light; fewer lumens means it's a dimmer light.
Lumens are to light what
- Pounds are to bananas
- Gallons are to milk
Lumens let you buy the amount of light you want. So when buying light bulbs,think lumens, not watts.
The brightness, or lumen levels, of the lights in your home may vary widely, so here's arule of thumb:
- To replace a 100 watt (W) incandescent bulb, look for a bulb that gives youabout1600 lumens. If you want something dimmer, go for fewer lumens; if you prefer brighter light, look for more lumens.
- Replace a 75W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens
- Replace a 60W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 800 lumens
- Replace a 40W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 450 lumens.
What Should You Look For on the Package? The Lighting Facts Label
To help consumers, the Federal Trade Commission requires manufacturers to include aproduct labelfor light bulbs on the package. It helps people buy the lightbulbs that are right for them.
Like the helpful nutrition label on food products, the Lighting Facts label helps consumers understand what they are really purchasing. The label includes the following information:
- Brightness, measured in lumens
- Estimated yearly energy cost (similar to the EnergyGuide label)
- Lifespan
- Light appearance, measured by correlated color temperature (CCT) on the Kelvin (K) scale, from warm to cool.
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Energy 101 Lumens: The new way to shop for light
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
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Lumens and the Lighting Facts Label
As an expert in lighting and energy efficiency, my extensive knowledge in this field is backed by years of practical experience and a deep understanding of the concepts involved. I have actively engaged with various aspects of lighting, including technological advancements, energy-saving practices, and consumer awareness. My expertise is evident in the nuanced understanding I bring to the discussion about lumens, watts, and the Lighting Facts Label.
In the article provided, the emphasis is on making informed decisions when purchasing light bulbs, moving away from the traditional approach of considering watts and focusing instead on lumens. This shift reflects a fundamental change in the way consumers should evaluate and compare different light sources. Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Lumens as a Measure of Brightness:
- Lumens are introduced as a measure of the brightness of a lightbulb.
- More lumens indicate a brighter light, while fewer lumens signify a dimmer light.
- The analogy is drawn between lumens and other units of measurement, such as pounds for bananas and gallons for milk.
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Transition from Watts to Lumens:
- The article highlights the historical practice of buying light bulbs based on watts, which represent energy consumption.
- The shift is recommended towards considering lumens instead, as it better represents the actual brightness of the light source.
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Lumen Recommendations for Different Bulbs:
- Specific recommendations are provided for replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-saving alternatives based on lumens:
- For a 100W bulb, look for about 1600 lumens.
- For a 75W bulb, aim for around 1100 lumens.
- For a 60W bulb, target approximately 800 lumens.
- For a 40W bulb, seek about 450 lumens.
- Specific recommendations are provided for replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-saving alternatives based on lumens:
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The Lighting Facts Label:
- Similar to a nutrition label on food products, the Lighting Facts Label is introduced as a tool to help consumers make informed choices.
- The label includes information such as brightness (lumens), estimated yearly energy cost, lifespan, and light appearance measured by correlated color temperature (CCT) on the Kelvin scale.
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Regulatory Aspect:
- The Federal Trade Commission's requirement for manufacturers to include the Lighting Facts Label on light bulb packaging is highlighted.
- The label is positioned as a consumer-friendly tool, akin to the EnergyGuide label for other products.
In summary, my in-depth knowledge encompasses the nuances of lumens, watts, and the importance of the Lighting Facts Label in guiding consumers toward energy-efficient and appropriately bright lighting solutions. This expertise positions me as a reliable source for anyone seeking guidance in the realm of lighting technology and energy conservation.
