Light Bulbs
Earning the ENERGY STAR certification means the product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Lighting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label deliver exceptional features, while using less energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protects the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
ENERGY STAR Certified Light Bulbs:
- Use about 70-90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs
- Last at least 15 times longer and saves about $55 in electricity costs over its lifetime
- Meet strict quality and efficiency standards that are tested by accredited labs and certified by a third party
- Produce about 70-90% less heat, so it’s safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling
Please see the ENERGY STAR light bulb saving calculator (EXCEL, 691 KB) to estimate your saving.
Current Specification Effective Date: January 2, 2017
ENERGY STAR Lamps Program Requirements V2.1 (PDF, 686 KB)
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in 1999.
LED light bulbs originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in 2009.
What else should I look for when buying ENERGY STAR light bulbs?
Choosing between the various types of ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs and deciding where to use them can be daunting. Here you’ll find guidance on choosing the right bulbs for your fixtures and locating a convenient retailer.
For an interactive learning experience, check out the Choose a Light Guide.
- Light Bulb Purchasing Guide (PDF, 652 KB)
- ENERGY STAR certified bulbs use less power (watts) than incandescent bulbs.
- Learn more about brightness!
- ENERGY STAR certified bulbs are available in a variety of shades.
- Learn more about color and mood!
- Not all ENERGY STAR certified bulbs are dimmable.
- If you need a dimmable bulb, please check the packaging before you make your purchase.

Light your moments with ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs. Only LED bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR are independently certified to deliver energy and money savings, long-life – lasting more than 13 years, and high quality performance. And, with ENERGY STAR, you’ll be doing your part to reduce energy waste and protect the planet. Did you know that more than 3 billion light sockets in the U.S. still have old, inefficient bulbs in them? If every American replaced just one light bulb with ENERGY STAR, we would save more than $530 million in energy costs and prevent nearly 7 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions from 640,000 cars.
More information and resources to help you choose ENERGY STAR for your new light bulbs.
- OVERVIEW: Learn why an ENERGY STAR certified light bulb is right for you.
- SPECIFICATION: Find out what makes a light bulb ENERGY STAR certified.
- BUYING GUIDANCE: Get helpful information to choose the right light bulb and make your home more energy efficient.
PLEASE SEE REBATES FROM PARTICIPATING UTILITY PARTNERS
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FEATURED BRANDS AND RETAILERS
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Looking to replace a light bulb? Here's how in three easy steps.
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Start Saving With My ENERGY STAR
My ENERGY STAR makes it easy to browse energy saving tips, and to see how your actions can make a difference. Here are a few tips to get you started.
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Choose ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs (Replace 1 bulb)
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Purchase ENERGY STAR certified decorative light strings
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Choose ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs for one room (Replace 5 bulbs)
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