As a property owner, going green is likely on your mind, and one simple way to do this is through your lighting. Not only will you do your part to help the environment, but you will also lower your monthly electric bill and receive an annual tax deduction when you implement a more energy-efficient system. To get started, it's important to understand the difference between the current options on the market, which include the incandescent bulb, the halogen bulb, and the LED bulb.



The incandescent bulb is likely what you currently use in your home or office. Although it provides plenty of light, much energy is wasted in the process. Have you ever touched a glowing light bulb? You should feel intense heat as the gas reacts with the filament and produces light. The heat is a by-product of the light, and what your finger senses is essentially wasted energy. Additionally, the reaction that causes the illumination weakens over time, compromising the glow of the bulb. You are left with a brittle bulb that must be replaced often.

Halogen bulbs are one step above incandescent, and are used in most movie sets, theatres, and television studios, where their brightness is essential. The small quartz filament burns halogen gas, lasts longer than the incandescent bulb, and emits more light. You might recognize the name MR16, which is a 12-volt halogen bulb, and is used both indoors and outdoors. However, all halogen sources still use more heat than is necessary, and therefore are not the best choice for your lighting upgrade.

The most efficient choice available is the LED, or light-emitting diode bulb. Instead of a filament, the LED uses electricity to reflect light from its diode; heat is reduced to a minimum, and the light is clearer and brighter. While LED bulbs cost more than incandescent or halogen bulbs, they are well worth the price: they last the longest, and are by far the safest choice for your home or office. You will notice an immediate difference in your electric bill, and you can feel good about using less energy.

LED lights work equally well for indoor and outdoor use. Their ability to produce color will add a great accent to your backyard or office signage, and can bring a new dimension to your holiday decorations. Additionally, LED flood lights are a top option to ensure the security of your property—a one-time investment could last you a lifetime.

The Lenser Leflector, one of the leading LED bulbs available, is a great choice for your home. Imagine not having to change your bulb for 50,000 hours—that's between five and thirty years, depending on how often you turn on your lights. When you calculate the cost, you'll find that you are spending very little every year, and that the Leflector is ninety percent more efficient than leading halogen bulbs.

Now that you know more about your options, why not think about improving the lighting in your home or office? It's energy and cost efficient, and as easy as taking a trip to your local home-improvement store. Think of the initial cost as future savings on your electric bill. Even more importantly, it is your contribution to a sustainable environment for future generations.