Homeowners
Luminaires and Lamps
How to Upgrade Your Incandescent Light Bulbs: An Interactive Video Presentation
Many people are choosing replacements for their standard incandescent light bulbs to save money or energy, because they’ve heard of new LED options, or in anticipation of the phase-out of standard incandescent bulbs. If you’ve shopped for replacement light bulbs, you probably noticed that you have many options and the alternative bulbs are more expensive. The LRC provides this step-by-step guide to choosing replacement light bulbs.
How to Upgrade Your Incandescent Light Bulbs: An interactive video presentation
For more information contact Jeremy Snyder, Program Director, Energy Efficiency.
View a pdf summary here.
CFL Tips
CFLs can help save the environment and save you money. However, “going green” sometimes requires a little insight or planning. So, to help manage your CFL expectations and become an informed consumer, the LRC has outlined some facts and guidelines to assist you.
CFL Testing
This report contains performance data for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) rated at or above 13 watts. The report includes test data from 1999 through 2005.
CFL Residential Downlights
This report presents photometric, electrical, and thermal performance data for selected CFL residential downlights that qualify for ENERGY STAR® approval. Since 1980, the trend in residential new construction and remodeling has been to install recessed downlights as the predominant luminaire. This report examines recessed downlight components, installation, operation, and performance.
LED Residential Under-cabinet Luminaires Product Test Results
Four available linear LED under-cabinet luminaires intended for kitchen applications were tested to determine the amount of light each provides on countertop and backsplash areas, the uniformity and color of the light, and the efficacy of the luminaires. Traditional linear under-cabinet luminaires—two fluorescent and two incandescent xenon models—were tested for comparison. This report discusses the results of the performance testing, energy and financial savings, and other considerations such as warranties.
Residential Under-cabinet Lighting Guides
The LRC's Solid-State Lighting Program has publications designed to help homeowners, contractors, builders, and others understand the best practices for lighting kitchen counters and what to look for in an LED-based under-cabinet light fixture.
Residential Directional Lighting

The LRC's Solid-State Lighting Program has publications designed to help homeowners, contractors, builders, and others understand the best practices for directional lighting (for example, downlights, accent lights, and track lights) and what to look for in an LED-based directional lamp or light fixture.
Economic Worksheet
Use this worksheet to calculate the savings by switching to more efficient lighting.
PEARL (Program for the Evaluation and Analysis of Residential Lighting)
Backed by organizations including the National Resource Defense Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, PEARL's testing program focuses on ENERGY STAR lighting products and covers both fixtures and lamps.