Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the quickest ways to reduce your energy bills. For high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, choose bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR.

Traditional incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy to produce light and are no longer manufactured. 90 percent of the energy use by an incandescent bulb is given off as heat.

Newer energy-saving lightbulbs provide the choices in colors and light levels you've come to expect. The new lights are also much more efficient.

LEDs

You have many choices in energy-efficient lighting. The most efficient light bulbs available are light emitting diodes (LEDs). Although they can initially cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs, during their lifetime they save you money, because they use less energy. You can find these in most hardware and home improvement stores. 

Controls such as timers and photocells save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels. Be sure to select products that are compatible with the energy-efficient bulbs you want to use.

If you have outdoor lighting that is left on for a long time, using LEDs in these fixtures will save a lot of energy. Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use and come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors.