What type of light bulb is considered most energy-efficient compared to incandescent bulbs?

Fluorescent bulbs are considered more energy-efficient compared to incandescent bulbs because they use a different technology to produce light. Instead of using a filament, fluorescent bulbs pass an electric current through a gas, which produces ultraviolet light. This UV light then excites a phosphor coating inside the bulb, producing visible light. This process is much more efficient than the heat-based method used in incandescent bulbs, which waste a significant amount of energy as heat rather than producing light.

Fluorescent bulbs typically use about 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan, which further contributes to their energy efficiency. While halogen bulbs and CFL bulbs also offer improvements over traditional incandescent lighting, fluorescent bulbs generally stand out for their significant reduction in energy consumption relative to incandescent options.