Installing energy-efficient lighting in your home not only reduces the energy consumed, but it also saves you money on your electricity bill, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the number of light bulbs you’ll need to buy throughout your lifetime. Energy-efficient lighting isn’t strictly restricted to the type of bulb you choose, it also includes maximizing natural light and ways your home decor can cut your energy consumption. Here are five energy-efficient lighting alternatives for your home.

Light-Emitting Diode Bulbs

First off, light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs give the most energy-efficient technology for lighting in your home. These quality bulbs last longer, increase durability and light quality, and increase savings compared to any other lighting technology. LED bulbs are six to seven times more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs, and have the potential of providing up to 80 percent in energy savings. They last more than 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, with a lifespan of more than three years, and release 10 percent less heat compared to their incandescent counterparts, Energy.gov says. LED bulbs are available in a variety of products for your home or business, and can be found almost anywhere as a result of their low-maintenance, resistance to breakage and compact size. They typically use 25-80 percent less energy than traditional incandescents and can save the average consumer $75 every year, Energy.gov adds.

Next-Generation Halogen Bulbs

Although not as efficient as LED light bulbs, halogen bulbs do burn twice as long and use 10-20 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, next-generation halogen bulbs are lasting three times as long and providing more savings when compared to incandescents. Halogen bulbs give a bright white light, turn-on immediately and are dimmable.

Natural Lighting

The most energy-efficient lighting alternative for your home is to maximize natural lighting. The use of windows and skylights, daylighting eliminates the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. If you’re worried about temperature regulation, consider highly energy-efficient windows that won’t increase your energy bill by requiring the use of the HVAC system. Maximize existing windows by replacing heavy curtains with blinds and trimming branches or bushes that block potential light. In addition to being energy-efficient, daylighting results in a 22 percent total savings in energy according to a study done by the Energy Center of Wisconsin.

Get Stylish and Creative

Energy-Efficient Lighting in your home doesn’t have to come from a bulb or a window. Get creative with stylish options like candles. Avoid candles with paraffin or a petroleum product.  Also, wicks made with additives like zinc or lead.   See those are ones that release harmful byproducts and gasses when burned. A good alternative is 100 percent soy candles. Those give a clean burn and made of naturally biodegradable and renewable materials. Use LED technology flameless candles that can run on rechargeable battery power.  Finally, do not produce carcinogens, are reusable and last hundreds of hours.

In conclusion, whether you choose an energy-efficient lighting or not , maximize natural lighting by daylighting your home. Another way to look at this is to get creative with home decor.  So look for green alternatives.  You know, ones that will cut your energy consumption and energy bill. Choosing energy-efficient light alternatives will cut your home’s carbon footprint.  Finally, it’ll cut your energy costs and result in effective action to combat climate change.