There are three common lighting technology types in homes: light-emitting diodes (LEDs), compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and incandescents. LEDs are usually the recommended lighting technology for all uses in the home.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

LEDs are the superior lighting technology because of their low operating costs and long lifespans. A standard LED bulb can have a lifespan of over 25,000 hours, and usually uses between 5 and 12 Watts. While their upfront cost of $2 to $8 per bulb can sometimes be higher than incandescent or CFL bulbs, LED prices have continued to fall, and their long lifespan and energy efficiency make them the most cost-effective choice over time. See Table 1.

According to the Energy Information Administration’s Residential Energy Consumption Survey (EIA RECS), the adoption of LEDs has grown rapidly in recent years. In 2024, EIA RECS reported that 37% of homes use all LEDs (up from 21% in 2020), and 90% of homes reporting at least some LED use (up from 82% in 2020).

Compact fluorescents (CFLs)

According to EIA RECS 2024 data, 45% of homes in the United States (US) report having at least a few CFLs in use. A standard CFL bulb typically lasts between 8,000 and 15,000 hours and uses around 9 to 23 Watts. Their upfront cost is usually between $2 to $3 per bulb.

CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, which means they should be handled carefully and recycled properly rather than thrown in the trash.

Incandescents

Incandescent bulbs are the oldest and least efficient lighting technology still in use today. A standard incandescent bulb typically lasts between 1,000 and 2,000 hours and uses between 40 and 100 Watts, making them significantly less efficient than LEDs. Although they have a low upfront cost usually between $1 to $3 per bulb, their short lifespan and high energy use make them the most expensive option over time.

According to EIA RECS 2024 data, 1 out of 20 homes still used all incandescent bulbs. 51% of homes reported still having at least a few incandescents. The good news is that this is an improvement from 2020, when 61% of homes reported still having at least a few incandescents.

Table 1. Characteristics of standard LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs.