At Capsells, we are updating our selection of lighting options to highlight their lumen value rather than their wattage. While watts account for the amount of energy used to produce light, lumens measure the light given off. 

The first step in this process is to determine the number of lumens you desire for a particular light source. Since this is a measure of the light produced, higher lumens will create more light. In order to maximize your energy savings, find the lowest wattage for the selected lumens. This will ensure that you use the least amount of energy for the amount of light needed. In short, the consumer benefits from the maximum number of lumens per watt of energy.

While changing the way we classify light sources may seem counter-intuitive, it does make selection processes more user-friendly. It brings more clarity to the product in question, as wattage does not tell consumers how much light is produced. Different types of light bulbs are used in today's world, and they require different watts to produce the same lumens, as shown in the chart below:

For more clarification, check out this video from the U.S. Department of Energy:

The European Union adapted this change in vocabulary back in 2010. The United States has been gradually increasing its use of lumens over watts for the past several years, in tandem with the rise in popularity of environmentalism. To keep up with the rest of the world, it is best to update our measurements and terminology to the most current version.

Despite the new classification, our products stay the same. It is simply a different way categorize existing products, as well as new ones.