It human nature led pixel light Manufacturers. We're always eager to explore the newest product,
especially the ones touted to improve our lives. At the same time, we
can be skeptical about new product technologies, and it can be hard to
decide what, and whether, to buy. This is certainly the case with
energy-saving light bulbs. The Energy Independence and Security Act,
passed in December of 2007, started the clock ticking on the end of the
inexpensive and reliable incandescent light bulb. While it's true that
a few bulb manufacturers have flirted with the idea of nudging the
energy efficiency of Mr. Edison's classic up enough to meet the law's
requirements, it now appears likely that U.S. consumers will need to
convert to 21st century green light bulbs for most uses starting in
2012.
The mainstream media has been full of news about the coming light bulb revolution. In the last week of May alone, both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times
ran high profile articles addressing emerging trends on CFL (Compact
Fluorescent Lamps) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs.
Since they cost more than traditional bulbs, most people buy
energy-saving light bulbs for two main reasons: they save money in the
long run and they're better for the environment. Specifically, because
green light bulbs use much less energy to produce the same amount of
light, they reduce harmful gas emissions from coal-fired power plants
(which generate 50% of the electricity used in the United States).
So consumers should immediately replace all their incandescents
with energy-saving light bulbs, right? Well, not so fast. With
lighting, quality matters especially in our homes where we gather,
read, cook, eat, celebrate and entertain. There's a perception that
green light bulbs require sacrificing light quality. Don't believe it.
Many eco-friendly light bulbs cast soft, beautiful light. And no one
should feel guilty about not switching out every fixture containing a
regular light bulb. Invest first in replacing the bulbs used most
frequently. Savings will be bigger and pay back periods shorter with
this approach. And truth be told, there are scenarios where the best
bulb is the old-fashioned incandescent.
7 Keys to Choosing the Best Green Light Bulbs for Your Home or Office
Choosing from the many energy-saving light bulbs on the market
today can be tricky. Gone are the days when all that mattered was bulb
wattage and shape.
By keeping these seven simple guidelines in mind, you'll be on a path
to making smart decisions about what to buy to meet your needs for
energy-saving light bulbs in this new green age:
1. Pay more, not less - to save money in the long run,
your new green light bulbs should be able to last for several thousand
hours. If you buy the cheapest ones you can find, the odds are greater
that they won't.
2. Pick your spots - if a fixture is completely enclosed
or is lit for less than 15 minutes at a time and less than two hours a
day, CFLs are a poor investment. Low energy, mercury-free halogens are
available that are worth a look in these situations. Wait until the
existing bulb burns out (or hold onto it for later use - see #6).
3. Nobody likes the blues - the bluish light cast by many
fluorescent tubes is not appealing to most homeowners. When buying CFLs
and LEDs choose "warm white" or "soft white" labels for color that will
look pleasingly familiar. Energy-saving light bulbs labeled "cool
white," "natural light," or "daylight" are blue-hued and best for
targeted applications like reading, task lighting and exterior
fixtures, not for living areas, atmosphere or accent lighting.
4. Dimming for dummies - most CFL and LED bulbs can't be
used with dimmer switches. Look for green light bulbs that are boldly
labeled "dimmable." And while the industry has made great strides in
recent years, most energy-saving light bulbs do not dim as well as
traditional incandescent bulbs. However, the big energy savings are
compelling for most homeowners. Making the switch to dimmable CFLs or
LEDs in a busy family kitchen can be a real money saver, including
reduced cooling costs because neither type generates as much heat as
incandescents. Last point: the dimmer switch should be compatible with
the green light bulbs you buy.
5. Let's do the twist - spiral or "twister" CFLs are the
least expensive type. If these green light bulbs are hidden behind a
shade (though not totally enclosed), buying a spiral lamp will cut the
payback period versus glass covered CFLs.
6. Stay out of the closet - most closets need short
bursts of instantaneous light. This is usually true of powder rooms,
basements, attics and garages. Among energy saving light bulbs, CFLs in
particular aren't suited for this purpose. Traditional bulbs (or again,
low energy halogens) are best in these scenarios until something better
comes along.
