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Get 7.79¢/kWh for electricity and $3.89/GJ for natural gas on a 2-year plan.
Check out our energy plans for restaurants and learn how to make your business more energy efficient.
Want to know more about your energy options? Looking for ways to save on energy usage? We're here to help you make an educated decision.
Manage your energy account anytime. View bills, make payments, track your energy use, access rewards and more—all in one place.
Guide to Choosing Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Updated on November 4, 2026
4-minute read
Guide to Choosing Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Updated on November 4, 2026
4-minute read
Energy-efficient light bulbs use less electricity and generally last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. LEDs are the most efficient option covered in this guide, while CFL and halogen bulbs also use less energy than conventional incandescent lighting.
Understanding how LED, CFL, halogen and incandescent bulbs compare can help you choose lighting based on energy use, lifespan, light quality and replacement cost. Even replacing the bulbs in your most-used fixtures can be a practical first step toward reducing household electricity use.
Natural Resources Canada says that the average home in Canada uses 3.5% of its energy for lighting. Switching to energy-efficient light fixtures and bulbs will make a big difference in your energy use, especially if you’re still using conventional incandescent light bulbs.
Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, energy-efficient light bulbs use up to 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer! Upgrading all your fixtures and light bulbs will require an initial investment but will give substantial long-term energy and cost savings.
Plus, you don’t have to replace every single bulb. Even swapping out old incandescent bulbs in the five light fixtures you use the most will help. Here’s more information:
Traditional incandescent bulbs are terribly inefficient. Notice how hot they get? Over 95% of the energy is wasted as heat for every watt drawn. That means most of the energy you’re paying for is completely wasted. Plus, these bulbs are fragile! The smallest bump can damage that little delicate filament inside or break the bulb entirely.
Why are they inefficient, highly breakable light bulbs still used? Here are a few reasons:
Incandescent light bulbs last about 1,000 hours—not that long. However, an energy-efficient bulb can last 10 to 25 times longer! Making the switch helps the environment and saves energy costs and bulb replacement costs down the road.
Energy-efficient light bulbs are becoming more popular across Canada. ENERGY STAR® lighting standards make it easier for homeowners to research and find the right replacement bulbs for their homes. And you have options.
Halogen incandescent bulbs were the first new type of energy-efficient light bulbs to hit shelves and to meet the Energy Star® the minimum standard. They have a 28% energy savings compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last about three times longer.
Halogen bulbs still use that little metal filament to emit light. Unlike traditional bulbs, halogen light bulbs are made with a special, hardened glass and a bulb-within-a-bulb design that prevents the halogen from leaking out. That helps prevent the filament from damage and extends the bulbs’ lifespan.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are energy-efficient light bulbs, sometimes called compact fluorescent lamps. Energy Star®-qualified CFLs use up to 75% less energy and can last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. A CFL can pay for itself in energy savings in about eight months and continue to save you money every month after that!
Many CFLs have that spiral shape, but you can also get them as enclosed bulbs. CFLs provide a more natural yellow light, which makes them perfect for nighttime use if you're not a fan of cold, white lighting.
Note: CFLs contain mercury. So, when they burn out, you must take them to the eco-centre to be recycled. Please don’t throw them in the garbage!
LED light bulbs are by far the longest-lasting and most efficient option on the market. They’re powered by chips that convert energy into light and give a full brightness as soon as you flip the switch.
LEDs do not get hot when they’re in use. ENERGY STAR® LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs! That’s incredible energy savings! LEDs can last 15 to 25 times longer than their old-school counterparts.
Next time you replace your light bulbs, make the switch to a more efficient bulb. You can read more in Natural Resources Canada’s guide to energy-efficient lighting.
LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient option covered in this guide. ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs can use substantially less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last much longer.
Yes. LEDs convert far more of the electricity they use into light, while incandescent bulbs waste much of their energy as heat. LEDs also typically last many times longer.
Both use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, but LEDs generally use less energy and last longer. CFL bulbs contain mercury and require appropriate recycling when they burn out.
Yes. Energy-efficient bulbs require less electricity to provide light, so replacing frequently used incandescent bulbs with LEDs or other efficient options can reduce household lighting consumption.
No. You can start with the fixtures you use most often. Replacing frequently used incandescent bulbs first lets you begin reducing electricity use without replacing every bulb at the same time.
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