EPA Apps for the Environment Challenge 2011 Winner: Light Bulb Finder

The Light Bulb Finder mobile app makes it easy to switch from incandescent to energy-efficient light bulbs. It empowers users to make informed decisions based on their lighting needs and the financial and environmental impact of their choices. Using the app, the typical American home can cut their annual electricity bill by over $120 and environmental impact by 1,360 lbs. CO2.

The Light Bulb Finder app is intuitive and easy to use. Based on simple inputs about home fixtures and incandescent bulb styles, the app instantly recommends energy-efficient bulbs with the right fit, appearance and quality. For each recommendation, the app displays a bulb image, specifications, energy and dollar savings, and CO2 emissions reductions. Users can purchase energy-saving bulbs through the app or at local retailers.

The app addresses a growing need in the U.S. as new efficiency standards for light bulbs start phasing in from January 2012. The new standards will save the U.S. more than $12.5 billion annually when fully implemented in 2020 and eliminate the need for 33 large power plants, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The Light Bulb Finder app uses zip code level data from EPA’s eGRID database to automatically calculate the CO2 emissions reduction for each incandescent bulb a user chooses to replace.



Light Bulb Finder is available as a free download on iPhone, iPad touch, iPod and Android smartphones. Visit the app store on your mobile device and search for “Light Bulb Finder.” Learn more at www.lightbulbfinder.net