What are Energy Star light bulbs?

Having been in the lighting industry for 20 years, we often receive inquiries from customers about what Energy Star is. 

Based on our industry experience, I will give a brief introduction to it for you.  If you have any more insights, please feel free to contact us.

What is ENERGY STAR

ENERGYSTAR is an energy conservation program initiated by the US government, is not a brand or a manufacturer, 

mainly targeting consumer electronic products. The products covered include lighting equipment, electronic devices, 

ultra-low temperature laboratory cold chain products, household appliances, and building products, etc. 

It is a government energy conservation program jointly implemented by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aiming to reduce energy consumption and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. 

Subsequently, it was gradually adopted by several countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the European Union, enjoying high market recognition, with a market acceptance rate exceeding 90% in North America. 

This program is voluntary, and the ENERGYSTAR standards are usually 20-30% more energy-efficient than the US federal standards. 

Products that pass the ENERGYSTAR audit will be listed on their official websites. 

ENERGYSTAR is a certificate-based system, similar to DLC, and both are voluntary certifications.

The Benefits of ENERGY STAR Certified Light Bulbs:

LED Light Bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR deliver quality, cutting-edge design and the latest in energy-efficient technology. 

If all LED Light bulbs and downlights sold in the United States were ENERGY STAR certified, the energy cost savings would grow to 

more than $1 billion each year, saving more than 12 billion kWh and preventing more than 18 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions - 

equal to those from more than 1.8 million vehicles.

While generic LED bulbs are available, an ENERGY STAR certified bulb offers distinct advantages that go beyond basic energy savings.

1. Verified Financial Savings

The primary benefit is reduced operational costs. ENERGY STAR certified bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and significantly less than standard halogen options. Furthermore, they are tested to last at least 15 times longer than traditional bulbs, saving you replacement costs over time.

2. Guaranteed Performance Quality

This is where ENERGY STAR truly differentiates itself. 

To earn the label, bulbs undergo testing for quality, not just power consumption. 

The certification ensures:

• Brightness: The bulb delivers the light output (lumens) it claims on the box.

• Color Quality: The light looks natural and consistent over time.

• Reliability: They turn on instantly with no flickering, and they must maintain brightness even near the end of their lifespan.

If you buy a generic, non-certified LED, it might save energy, but it might also flicker, buzz, or shift color after a few months. ENERGY STAR is essentially a quality assurance guarantee.

Are tested for long-term performance and come with a manufacturer-backed warranty of at least three years.

Current Technologies Metting the Standard

Today, the lighting market is almost entirely dominated by Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology.

In the past, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)—the curly bulbs—were common ENERGY STAR products. However, due to performance issues and mercury content, they have largely been phased out in favor of LEDs.

Currently, you can find ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs for nearly every application in a home:

• Standard A-Shape Bulbs: For table lamps and general overhead fixtures.

• Reflector/Flood Bulbs: For recessed ceiling cans and outdoor security lights.

• Decorative Bulbs: Candelabra styles for chandeliers and exposed filament "Edison" style bulbs.

• Smart Lighting: Many modern smart bulbs that connect to Wi-Fi for app or voice control also meet ENERGY STAR standards.

  
  

For more than 25 years, the ENERGY STAR label has helped foster widespread adoption of affordable, effective and efficient lighting options 

for consumers. More than 3 billion ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs have been sold in the United States since the label's introduction in 1997, 

delivering electric energy savings of over one trillion kWh – equivalent to the annual carbon sequestration of the over 800 million acres of forest.  

And now, these light bulbs are the standard.  Using the latest in LED technology, they all save energy.

In recognition of this progress and because it is no longer possible to purchase inefficient light bulbs for the majority of of household applications, 

the EPA has ended the ENERGY STAR program for the most common light fixtures. Only high performing recessed downlights may continue to earn 

the label. You may continue to see products packaged with the ENERGY STAR logo on store shelves in early 2025 because the EPA is allowing 

manufacturers to sell through their remaining stock and minimize waste.