When we think of lighting output we generally think in watts. But this can be misleading, as the watts relate to the amount of energy used and not the amount of light given out.

To understand how much light is given out you need to know the light output in lumens. Although some bulb manufacturers are now stating light output in lumens, the norm is still to rely on the watts.

To give you an idea of the different light output of different bulb types, the list below gives a rough idea of how many lumens you get for a 100w light bulb:

1,200 Lumens - Standard Incandescent
1,400 Lumens - 230v Halogen (GU10)
1,800 Lumens - 12v Halogen (MR16)
4,000 Lumens - LEDs
10,000 Lumens - Fluorescent

These are approximate figures that vary from bulb to bulb, but they show that fluorescent lights can be 8 times more energy efficient than incandescent lights.

There is a lot of research and development in the LED sector going on at the moment with efficiency and performance improvements year on year. Over the next few years it is anticipated that LEDs will overtake fluorescents and take on the mantle of being the most energy efficient light in the home.

Some argue that because of LEDs extended bulb life it already is the most efficient. See below:

1,000 Hours - Standard Incandescent
2,000 Hours - 230v Halogen (GU10)
3,000 Hours - 12v Halogen (MR16)
8,000 Hours - Fluorescent
100,000 Hours - LEDs

If the energy used in the manufacture of the bulb, the efficiency and the expected life are combined LEDs will shortly become (if they are not already) the green and choice for home lighting.