Seeing the Light ... a Simple Guide to
New Light Bulbs
Back in 2007, a new law entitled, "The Energy Independence and Security Act" was signed. It was expanded upon in 2010. As a result, new requirements and efficiency standards were placed in line for the common light bulb. Well, I walked down the light bulb aisle at Home Depot about a week ago and Wow! Talk about confusing! So over this weekend, I did a little reading ... and I thought I'd share what I found. Hopefully it will prove beneficial to you and the links provided will serve as some guide when you're shopping for light bulbs next time.
First: The bulbs that are being phased-out are the four most common incandescent bulbs used ... the 40-watt, 60-watt, 75-watt, and 100-watt bulbs. Sales and supplies of these bulbs will not automatically cease upon the implementation date of the new standards. Stores will be able to sell their existing supply of 100-watt incandescent bulbs until they're out of stock. Manufacturers will not be able to produce any more of the bulbs, based on their old energy-emitting standards beyond the law's implementation date.
It's estimated that as much as 90% of the energy emitted from the old traditional incandescent bulb is wasted as heat, not light. 90%! The newer, more energy-efficient CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lights) and LED's (Light-emitting Diode) can produce the same amount of light while using far less energy.
Second: Forget the old standard terminology. What you need to know and understand now is "lumens". New light bulb packaging will be required to display "LIGHTING FACTS". This should be helpful to you while trying to make a comparison of products and buying. Here's a handy guide that will help you replace your old wattage bulbs with those rated on lumens:
- To replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. If you want something dimmer, go for less lumens; if you prefer brighter light, look for more lumens.
- Replace a 75W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens
- Replace a 60W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 800 lumens
- Replace a 40W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 450 lumens.
Third: Other terminology that will now become important refer to the bulbs appearance as "warm" or "cool". The bulb you choose for a specific location will most likely be based upon your personal taste for these conditions of lighting.
Fourth: You DO stand to save energy and money through replacement of your old bulbs with the new. But how much?
Below is a rule-of-thumb guide, as to those savings:
- Energy Saving Incandescents — about 25% energy savings
- CFLs — about 75% energy savings
- LEDs — about 75% – 80% energy savings
It's estimated that an ENERGY STAR CFL bulb typically lasts up to 10 times longer than your old traditional bulbs. And ENERGY STAR qualified LED bulbs do even better, lasting as much as 25 times longer.
Yes, these new more energy-efficient bulbs cost more initially. That can't be argued. But if you truly realize the savings predicted above over the life of your new bulbs ... you'll be hearing "cha-ching"!
Fifth: So you make the decision to replace your old bulbs and invest in new, more energy-efficient ones. What other information regarding the new bulbs will be helpful moving forward?
Because CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lights) contain a small amount ofmercury within them, at the end of their lifespan, these bulbs should be recycled. That recycling can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but below are your most convenient and accessible.
- Waste collection agencies (Check locally)
- Local retailers (Many of your nationwide retailers/hardware stores have recycling programs)
- Mail-back services (Kits can be purchased in a variety of ways)
Just a note too ... ENERGY STAR -qualified bulbs earn a ENERGY STAR label by meeting the energy efficiency requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR specifications. ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. They provide a replacement program to protect your purchase, should the bulb you buy not work. This is a feature that could be very helpful and cost-wise, given the upfront expense of the new bulbs.
Also, please note that not all bulbs are being phased out. Be aware that the following are not effected by the new law. The Energy Security Act focuses primarily on "general service light bulbs." A long list of specialty light bulbs, including plant lights, bug lights, appliance bulbs (such as refrigerator lights), colored "party" bulbs, rough service, 3-way incandescent, and candelabra base bulbs are presently on the exemption list. Some of exceptions will be reassessed in 2020.
I hope the above information "sheds some light" on the topic of the new federal standards surrounding light bulbs for you.
* Taking steps to save money is always wise. Why not see if you can save money within your present home by refinancing ... or buying a home VS renting. It costs you nothing to inquire and get the answers you need. Contact me today! I'll be happy to talk over your personal financial scenario and seek a money-saving solution for you.
I can be reached through any of the following means:
Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com
Website: www.genemundt.com
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Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President
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The Federal Savings Bank
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Skype! 630-219-1316
Hello Gene,
Great information to know, thanks for sharing with all us. Going to miss those 100 watt incandescent light bulbs. Good luck to you in 2012.
Gene, I have been using CFLs for a couple of years. I love the energy savings but I like the warm glow of incandescent bulbs. I wish there was a happy medium.
Gene - What a great comprehensive article on Lighting! This must have taken a bit of research to do....
Thanks so much for sending it on to me!
I hear ya, James. Plentiful and cheap ... at least initially. Guess we'll be doing ourselves and the earth a favor by switching over to the new ones. Thanks for writing ...
Tammie!! So good to hear from you. Hope you had a fantastic New Year celebration! Definitely agree. I'm going to have to experiment with my purchases until I find the right bulbs in the right places. I'm too old to not have bright lights where I read!! Let me know if you figure it out ...
Dagny: My pleasure! You know you're a favorite of mine! Glad that you found this beneficial. Hope you and your readers find it helpful at the stores ...
Gene
Gene, you did a great job compiling all this information. LED's seem to be constantly improving with more lumens for the buck and warmer appearing colored light.
Hey Mike! Thanks for writing. And LED's definitely appear to be getting the longest use and most bang for the buck in what I read. I appreciate the thumbs-up on the info ...
Stay warm up there in Apple Valley!
Gene
Gene, this is wonderfully written and I just had to re-post it, thanks for putting it together. We have already started to replace our burnt out Halogen ceiling bulbs with LED's.
Thanks Gene.
I found 2 convenient locations for recycling the ((^%%&^& cfl bulbs.
Home Depot and Moms Grocery Store which is near my MD office.
Wow! This definitely answered any questions I may have had.
I am going to miss the old light bulbs, especially in my listings, when you want the rooms to be as bright as possible and not cast a yellowish glow.
I do have one more question -- do you know when they are going to stop stocking the shelves with the old light bulbs? I know you mentioned that they will be phased out, but I wasn't sure when that was going to start...
Thanks!!
I hate new light bulbs and frankly so do my cats who like to spend winter evenings under the table lamp for the warmth. And all the poor little girls who can't use the heat of that 100 watt bulb in easy bake ovens. :( I like the choice, but not the regulation.
Lots of good research info here - thanks for sharing! I've been experimenting with the new bulbs for the past year or so, trying to find the ones that have a warmer light and also that come on quickly - hate the ones that you have to turn on way before you actually want to be able to see anything...
Your right about the bulb giving off lots of heat. Many large buildings have to account for this heat when they size the air conditioner. While you may not be able to get the old incandescent bulbs someday you will be able to buy halogen bulbs which is the closest thing and will be a good chose for those that don't like CFL or LED lights.
David: Thank you! Glad to hear that you've already started the transition. Sounds like there are trade-offs on the type of lighting received, but the savings sure will be nice. And of course the environment is better off too ...
Lenn: Glad the links I provided worked for you! And that you found some local resources because of them ...
Kerry: Thank you! I wrote you a note regarding the date of the law and stock supplies. Hope it helps ...
Tammy: Only a mom would think about Easy Bake Ovens!! Hope you can find a way to keep the kitties warm somehow ...
Nancy: I've heard the same complaint. I'm sure, like anything, they will improve on these bulbs too as time goes on. Until then, I'm having to experiment too to find the lighting I want where I want it. Should it really be this hard??? lol
Robert: I appreciate you chirping in with your knowledge and info! It pays to have your home inspectors around ... that's for sure. Happy New Year!
Gene
I changed out all of my traditional bulbs in about 2004 and was all excited for the energy savings and increased bulb life. Well the bulbs did decrease my electric bill but they sure did not last the five years the quoted. I wonder if the new ones are better?hmmm.Interesting blog here!
These new bulbs while enticing have many drawbacks and until those are solved I'll be a holdout for using this new technology. They need to remove the fire hazard and improve the reliability. And the mercury pollution thing has to be solved. Supposedly having hazardous materials and the possibility of needing to take them somewhere for disposal is a real turn off for me.
I love that you have everything in a simple format, Gene! Lighting is one of those things that many people feel they are clueless about, but after understanding the basic concepts they realize how many options they now have! Great post!
Gene: You did a fabulous job on this post. I our area, both Home Depot and Lowe's recycle the bulbs. Reblogging.
You just cleared up a very confusing subject to me. I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't followed the news on the new laws and just the other day Mel told me I should stock up if I wanted incandescent bulbs before they're gone. After reading this, I don't think we want to and feel confident the new laws are a good thing. Thanks for the info.
Gretchen
You did your research on this one, Gene. I have to learn a new one now - lumens.
Gene, thank you for this-it is extremely helpful to me as a decorator-I don't love the CFL's but I am really interested in the LED both for energy saving and quality of light-I'm delighted that I can now explain this to my clients. You are now officially bookmarked!
good information to have on hand. I had no idea about 80% of your post, so it was new and en"light"ening information to me. Thanks!
Hi Gene ~ What a great recap you've written here to guide us throught the lightbulb haze! I can attest to the fact that changing over our household bulbs can make a huge difference ... earlier this year I moved into my new home, which was loaded with the standard incandescent bulbs, and our first electric bill was horrifying! So, we swapped out all of the bulbs for either CFLs and a few LEDs bought on sale, and our bill went from $165/mo to just $95/mo -- with no other changes. It saves money, and it's the right thing to do -- a win/win for everyone :-)
Congrats on the Feature!!
Not good to hear that the bulbs didn't live up to the hype regarding their life expectancy, Rosalie. Mixed results .. and that's not good. I'd hope that perhaps another brand would do better? Time will most likely tell ...
Jeanne and Ralph: I understand your concerns. Maybe this additional info will calm some of your fears and concerns: http://epa.gov/cfl/cflrecycling.html#important. Steps to go through, yes ... but the last line points out that you can dispose through your regular waste services. I'd check with my local service prior to doing that though. Please let us know what you find out ...
Rick: Thank you much. I'm glad that you found the info helpful.
Anne: Thanks! Glad to hear that the major home hardware retailers are onboard with the recycling. Truly a good service to the communties they do business in ...
Gretchen and Mel: Sounds like the hardest part is the initial outlay to buy the new bulbs. Hopefully the savings turn-out to be worthwhile ... and the energy savings as well ...
Jane: You know that you il - "lumen" me with your comments. Bad, huh???
Joanna: This seems to be the biggest complaint I hear about these bulbs. Maybe the info regarding the warmth and coolness of the lighting will help some. I know I'm experimenting with different bulbs in differing areas because of this very reason. Thanks for your comment ... and best of luck with the decorating ...
Joy: VERY Good! I almost heard a rimshot! lol Appreciated your commenting ...
Gene
Wow Maureen! I'd say your a great testimony for the EPA and the intelligence motivating this new law regarding bulbs. That is some savings. And it surely motivates me to go out and get more of the new bulbs for my own home. Thanks for commenting and letting us all know the savings you realized with these changes. Much appreciated ...
Gene
Hi Gene - I thought I heard this law stalled out and incandescents will be around for a while longer??
We swapped out many of these indoors and out and have seen a great savings But -
As a photographer I deeply dislike these bulbs as they are not full spectrum (makes for muddy low contrast scenes), and color correcting for them in mixed lighting can be really rough!
They sure are GREEN! LOL!
Thanks again for the info
What I like about the energy efficient bulbs are that you can get more light for a low wattage fixture. When I bought my house, the kitchen only had 1 fixture for a 1 sixty what bulb. Using my energy efficient bulb, I get at least twice the amount of light from that fixture!
Gene,
This is fabulous information. (Looks like you might have read all weekend!) I am off to re-blog, as I know my clients will appreciate.
All the best in 2012, Michelle
Great info Gene. I've been changing to the new curlies, but want to try out the LED lights.
Gene, I'm wondering what they will do about light fixtures that are on dimmer switches - the new bulbs don't do dimmer switches. Great post, by the way!
Great info! Many people need to know this during the changes, also it is just helpful in general. Thanks!
Thank you for your great informative post and for taking time to share the fruitss of your research. I have bookmarked his post and will try to memorize the lumens equivalent figures for use in the future as I doubt that thsi information would be published o displayed at the stores.
I am skeptical about the life of the new tech bulbs as my CFLs have not lasted more than 3-4 years, which incidently is the same as for incandescents. In Ontario (Canada), production for incandescents was to be halted in 2011, but now has been delayed as the Government is concerned about the use of Mercury in CFLs, it disposal and EMF radiation from them. People always take the easy way out and lots of them don't undertsand the damage that can be caused by improper disposal of CFLs. Unfortunately, the weekly waste collection services provided by the Municipalities here do not accept hazardous material electrical/electronic waste. Therefore, instead of making an effort to drop these as HomeDepot or other big box home hardware stores, people dump these in the garbage bags and end up in landfill sites.
Absolutely agree with everything by PERSONAL experiece already.
We bought a new home in Sept and first month light bill was $260 and then we changed 84 light bulbs out from traditional to LOW E and our next month bill was $127.
Yep, they are making a huge difference in our home.
We love them.
Hi Gene--thank you for taking the time to do all this research. It does seem like a maze out there when one is looking at light fixtures and bulbs. I am definitely bookmarking this.
Gene...
We changed out all of our incandescent bulbs years ago because we love saving money. We also like the idea of not using more energy than we need to to help conserve our resources.
Gene, I am with Andre in my dislike of the new bulbs for the same reason, the light they give off. I absolutely detest the ugly coiled bulbs and am suspicious of what they do to our brains, I also dislike the fact that they cannot be dimmed, and that is very important to me.
But MOST of all, I dislike the fact that yet another freedom is being taken away from us in the name of progress.
That said, I do like your great research on the subject. Thank you very much and I will reconsider at least the LED - the CFLs are permanently off my list if I have any other options.
Sharon
Well, I was not going to get started, but this legislation is yet another one that just gets me going....Just another attack on free markets! Guess what, these new light bulbs are made in China too, how sweet!
We are hunting down all the incandescent light bulbs we can find and buying as many as we can get our hands on. WAGS had a great sale on them a while ago and I stocked up. I like to hold out as long as I can before I have to cave in with obedience to new laws from Nanny State knows best.
Those new light bulbs have mercury in them. I wonder if the environmentalists knew that when they started hiring lobbyists to get that bill passed. You can not even throw them away in your garbage can. And mercury is very dangerous. More dangerous then the claimed waste of energy that the bulbs we like.
And on another note, GE is the one who benefits the most from this unfair business practice. And they and those that passed this bill don't care one little tiny bit about the poor. The poor could afford 99 cent light bulbs. These new CFLs are not cheap!! You pay more because they last longer but that does not help someone who does not have $6 for a light bulb but does have 99 cents for a package of 4 of the great handy 60 watt light bulbs.
The other thing that really gets me about these light bulbs is that they are florescent which is NOT good for human health, the health of your family. So you are not just getting mercury in your bulbs you are also forced to use flourescent light which can cause depression and insomnia.
Full specrtum lighting is the most healthy lighting there is. We use full specrtum in our office and wherever we are reading because full spectrum has healing benefits and creates a sense of real daylight. Of course, GE would not profit as much from switching to making full spectrum and of course the green police would rather all humans get sick then waste any energy. Katerina
I really think we have bigger problems than light bulbs. It may just be me though.
You wrote an amazing article - great piece. But I am buying all the old light bulbs that I can. I do not want the new ones in my house. These light bulbs are hazardous to us and the environment. I agree with Katerina.
Gotta love how big brother wants to control our "clap on/clap offs".
Good post, thanks for sharing it.
There is a lot of disinformation and misinformation out there about the supposed hazards of the mercury in these CFL's. The amount is miniscule and has been a part of florescent long-tube bulbs FOREVER (and at much much higher levels)---where is all the furor over the long tube bulbs that fill all our schools and office buildings? And another thing---there is lead in the incandescent bulbs---and we just dump them back into the landfills. That said I am bypassing the CFL's and moving right to LED's and I love them---great light---and they are dimmable. Oh and also---we all, each and every one of us, IS the nanny state we so fear. If we were not, we would be something else---or do something else :)
I'm with Nestor and Katerina on this one. The nanny state again. Oh, and the bulbs are made in China? What a surprise! And the mercury in these bulbs is very bad for human health and the environment.
Who's going to police the people that these bulbs get disposed of properly?
A few years back I decided to try these nifty dandy bulbs and replaced the standard bulbs in my kitchen with the cfls I purchased at Home Depot. Not only did these bulbs not last more than two years, the light they gave off was absolutely hideous.
Hi Gene,
It is interesting to match the experience of buying and using light bulbs with the laws of the land.
Buying bulbs has been quirky for 10 years. Even more so now that LED light bulbs are in play
Thanks
Phil
That really was an en LIGHTening way to start the day....and we will pass along this information to our sphere in our snail mail newsletter...all the best in '12 !
Gene, wonderful share...my electrician still thinks the incandescents are better in many 'cans' than the cfls...my cat prefers the incandescents...but i have gone mostly green...this was a great post...and you do mortgages too..lol!
Awesome job with this article Gene. We should all be doing what we can to save!
I'm seeing more and more of the LEDs being installed locally. Much brighter light and they can be dimmed without a special dimmer. Most have a useful life of 30000-50000 hours. That's quite an improvement from incandescent or fluorescent. Of course, they currently cost more.
Gene I know that phasing out the old bulbs is a good thing and I am sure that I will appreciate the savings. However, right now I can't but feel that my right to choose is slowly but surely diminishing. Again, I want to emphasize that I realize the benefits that such a change will bring and I'll adapt to it.
Gene, very good article. We're replacing the incandescent bulbs with CFS's as our supply dwindles down. It wook a while to get used to them because they always start out dimmed when first turned on. Lumens vs. watts - good information.
Congratulations on yet another feature. And, I am bookmarking this one....so I can remember all the points!
Andre: You're absolutely right. The law did stall ... from what I can tell to October of this year. It was part of the negotiations between Republicans and Democrats during the last negotiations on the Hill. Who knows when the real application of this law will start tho ... as another round of "negotiations" will begin before October. Time will tell. Glad you found the article informative ...
Donald: Like anything, there are pros and cons. I, like you, prefer to seek out the positives of using these new bulbs. When it becomes law, we will have to comply, right? So I'm getting a jump on it and hopefully will enjoy savings ahead of that time ...
Thanks Michelle! I'm very glad that you found the info beneficial. Hope your clients do too ...
Luis: I agree with you, as I think that's the ultimate route to take. LED's cost more, but seem like they are more beneficial health wise, energy savings, and can be dimmed too.
Pat: From what I read the LED's do dim ... and I'm sure they will be improving on bulbs in the future. Especially once the law goes into effect ... we will see more innovation in this product.
Ben: Thank you for your kind words. Hopefully the info contained here helps consumers a bit ...
Rajeev: You make a good point ... not ALL municipalities are on the band wagon. Hopefully businesses step-up and make the disposal of these bulbs as easy as possible for residents of an area ... similar to disposal of those pesky plastic bags we get perhaps?? And you have voiced a complaint that I have heard before regarding the life expectancy of the CFL's ... and them not being quite as long-lifed as promised. We'll hope that improvements in the future correct this issue. Thanks for commenting ...
Kevin: LOVE hearing these positive testimonials. I believe they will be the difference between people trying these new bulbs sooner, than later. Save money?? I'll definitely give it a try!!
Janet: I'm glad you found the info beneficial and bookmark worthy.
I'm in total agreement with you Richard. I like saving money too ... and if I'm able to help the environment while saving, even better! A definite win-win situation ... and I feel good about it too ...
Frank and Sharon: I agree that the LED's seem like a better option ... esp. should you want to dim lights. They also don't have the mercury. Another benefit and one less issue to deal with ...
Katerina: I understand you are frustrated. But will politiely agree to disagree on this. I see the benefits of phasing the old bulbs out and utilizing new technology. And the argument could be made that this will benefit the poor in other ways, beyond those monetary. Mercury has been utilized within other fluorescent bulbs for a long time, with no uproar about it. Improvements should be made to the new bulbs, and I"m sure they will be. I'm trying to stay positively focused about these changes ...
Tim: Agreed ... but each small step in the right direction helps longterm, IMO. Hopefully the biggers issues get tackled and resolved soon ...
Jo: I understand your concerns ... but know that the LED's do not contain the mercury. It's the CFLs that do. The mercury issue can be circumvented by purchasing the LED bulb ...
Anthony: Glad you found the info beneficial ..
Charles: Sounds like you are just the man to write a follow-up to this piece! And thank you for reinforcing some valuable info regarding the mercury NOT being in LED's .. and their ability to dim. So much info to digest, some might have missed those points. Again, thanks for your coments ....
Pamela: The only thing I might suggest is that you try the LED's instead of the CFLs. See if they do better in your home lighting situations?? NO mercury to deal with either .. and they dim. Maybe that will help some ...
Phil: I knew nothing of LED's really ... prior to reading-up on this topic. Obviously a larger upfront cost, but they do circumvent other negative issues contained with CFLs. Hopefully the info contained within my blog will help others decide too ...
I'm honored, Sally and David ... to be placed in your newsletter! With your help, I'm sure the entire State of Wisconsin will be "enlightened" ...
Ginny: Yes! I do mortgages ... and believe me I know more about them than light bulbs! lol ... Sorry your kitties don't like the new bulbs. Tammy Lankford cats had the same complaint! I'm glad you're maintaining a positive attitude tho, Ginny ... and trying the new greener bulbs ... thanks!
Kinda my attitude too, Bill. With this becoming law, I prefer to take the positive approach too. Save money. Save some environment ... all a win-win ...
Mike: Pros and cons, definitely to these bulbs. Pretty much like anything really. The upfront cost stopped me in my tracks. It's one of the reasons I thought I'd do some preliminary homework prior to buying them. Hopefully the info in the blog will help others too. Now I'm personally a bit more educated and willing to take the leap. Thanks for writing ...
Look at it that you get to choose among other things, Charita. Nothing ... clothes, foods, cosmetics, cars ... ever stay the same. We have to choose among newer things all the time. Older things get phased out. This really is no different. JMO ... plus I do this with the hopes that I'm going to save money and it's going to be worth my while to make the change. Plus I'm helping the environment ... I personally see this as positive for me ...
Michael: Thank you for your comments. You've been making positive moves much earlier than I. An educated, positive man! I'm going to try to catch-up with you ... thanks for your kind comments ...
Ron: Thanks for the bookmark! Much appreciated. Hope it proves beneficial to you and your clients in the future ...
Gene
Gene- very feature worthy and am definitely saving this information. I don't like the CFL's but it would be hypocritical of me to drive a Prius and not use them. Thank you so much for doing the research for us.
Seems like I'm hearing complaints about the CFLs more than the LEDs, Kathy. So you're not alone. I appreciate your kind words ... and glad that you found the post beneficial.
Gene
Gene. Great info. Thanks for taking the time to research and post this. I hate the regulation and government controlling any industy.... a la ours....but the tree huggers have a strong grip on this country. Prices will come down for the new bulbs just like any new technology. They may even get the light to look more like the old bulbs eventually. :)
Gene:
Some great info...who knew? Thank You for shedding some "light" on the subject! :)
Gene when you wrote this post, did you think this kind of heat would generate from a light bulb? LOL.
Doug: Common sense must play a part in any decision or law ... and that seems to be the integral part missing in our industry at times ... agreed. As far as the bulbs go, I agree. We will see them change and improve just as we have many other products of the past. And that will most likely include their appearance .. so true. Thanks for writing ...
Todd: Glad the post en"light"ened you! Appreciated the comment ...
Well Charita, the stats did say that 90% of the energy emitted was HEAT! So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised! Love it when so many chirp in and express their opinions. Exactly what I love AR and our members so much for ... and rely on them to do ...
Gene
As always, Thanks Gene for the great info. ironically, this topic has also confused me.
Gene -- thanks for doing and providing the research you unearthed. Some may be interested in the recent Consumer Reports article on these various lightbulbs.
The ones with mercury in them are a real pain, if they break there are federal rules on how to clean it up, and they are not easy to comply with (a television show was going to show it, but they couldn't do it in the studio-what does that say about them breaking in thehouse?) Also, though we can recycle them locally, we have to do it separately from everything else we are recycling, and apparently have to carry them to the center (we already have over 1/2 dozen which have burned out).
Does anyone remember when you could get "free lightbulbs" from the electric company? I still have some of those.
Some of the new bulbs do not go on immediately when the switch is flipped. Thanks for this enlightening info Gene.
Steven: I check Consumer Reports on everything! My wife kids me about it ... but thanks for mentioning it here for others to see. Good idea!! And yes, there is a down side to the effort that must be made to recycle intelligently and safely. It's why I'm looking more at the LED's personally ... not an issue with them. Thanks for commenting with your own experiences .. it's the best way to learn ...
Linda: Oh man ... I'm dating myself, but yes ... I remember that. When we sold my mother-in-law's house we found a stash of them too. They were like gold to her!! I've read that some of the new bulbs have a delayed response. Much like the fluorescent in offices. Hopefully improvements in the bulbs will be coming quickly ...
Good to hear from you!
Gene
I wrote two pieces a few weeks ago on this very topic. One thing I have found with CFL's. If you buy the economy priced bulbs like at Home Depot, they do not last. Go figure, a cheap bulb, like anything cheap doesn't last. I have had much better longevity with somewhat the pricier CFL bulbs. Not only do they last longer, the light is better and they operate on the whole much better. To date I have not replaced one, some I have had in for several years. As they say you get what you pay for.
Gene,
You are right; lumens are the new watts when it comes to chosing a light bulb. The new LED bulbs are remarkable and are even available in different "whites." That always seems to be a developement that comes as the new technology matures. SC
Gene - I am going to reblog this one since I feel this is information we all need to share! Thanks!
Good to know James ... thanks for adding that comment. I think with these new bulbs, we have a bit of sticker shock. We've been so used to inexpensive incandescents for so long. Like anything, we'll get used to the new ... and enjoy some savings with energy costs ...
Steve and Joel: Great point. And technology will continue to mature. Hopefully that will mean a little better price, plus a mercury-free bulb in the future. Hope business is great for you in 2012!
Barbara-Jo: Thank you! Glad you feel it's beneficial for your clients ...
Gene
Great information, Gene. Have a prosperous New Year!
Thanks Mike ... same back at ya! And thanks for the thumbs-up ..
Gene
Thanks for this concise and informative runn-down. Glad to see you were Featured at ART...and I certainly am Featuring you at the ECO-ALL-STARS Group =) ...Here's a Big GREEN Thumbs Up!!
Wow ... thank you very much. Glad you found my post and the information contained within it of value. I really appreciate the thumbs-up!
Gene
I have only witnessed one side of this "New and Improved" situation. Most of my staging clients don't care for the new bulbs. Thanks to this informative blog I can balance their dislike of the yellow hue with the additional facts. The research you collected is wonderful. Thank you very much!
Thank you, Leslie ... your kinds words are greatly appreciated. Finding the right tones and hues of colors will be the key. Best of luck to in finding exactly what you want and need as you learn these new "green" bulbs ...
Gene
Gene,
Thank for for a great article. Truthfully I didn't read every comment in this long stream, but I am always surprised by people's reactions. Reminds me of when the low flow toilets were required and people were driving over the border to Canada to hoard toilets! Shout out to Charles #43 (yea Seattle!) for being a voice of reason on the heavy metal content. It has never been a good idea to break any fluorescent light "bulbs". Truth is more mercury is released into the environment from the burning of coal to power those old mostly inefficient incandescent (more of a heat than light source), than the CFL bulb. Granted, use one does incur a remote risk in your home, mostly for young children, but takes much more mercury out of the environment on the whole thereby reducing the risk for those young children for the rest of their lives.
CFL's are a stop gap that are already on their way out. LED's are coming down in price and they are starting to get the color balance more in keeping with what people want. They are down to 5 bucks a bulb for some of the smaller ones and they will last for years,. I think the backlash will be the still slightly higher up-front cost. Americans as a whole would rather pay later and pay more, than pay now and in the long run pay less.
After all there are some cash buyers for homes, but most of use rely on mortgages!