Light Bulbs: Knowing Your Options

Incandescent bulbs have lit our world for more than a century, but like a bad argument they emit 95% heat and only 5% light: very inefficient. Today there are better options. Not only do these save energy, so that their higher purchase price is recouped in lowered electric bills, but they last longer, requiring less frequent replacement. In addition, many are eligible for discounts and rebates through electrical utilities.

The relative unfamiliarity of new lighting options keeps some from taking advantage of them. This guide will introduce the main options for screw-in socket lighting.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

CFLs are small fluorescent tubes curled into small shapes to fit where standard incandescent bulbs fit. Some leave the “curlicue” visible, and others look more like standard bulbs. They generally use one-third of the power that incandescents do, and emit far less heat. They come in various light qualities from daylight to warmer hues.

Pros: Relatively inexpensive, widely available in box stores and groceries. Since they are cooler than incandescents, they do not add as much to the air conditioning load.  

Cons: Do not dim well; some take several seconds to warm up fully; must be recycled because they contain small amounts of mercury (far less than is emitted by coal-fired power plants for the same amount of light). See the page on recycling.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

The tiny lights that were introduced in electronics and rope lighting are now available in increasing variety at decreasing cost. These use much less power and emit less heat than CFLs, and also come in various light qualities.

Pros: Instant on, and many dim well. Available in standard bases, candelabra bases, and other sizes. Very long lasting. No mercury. Stay even cooler than CFLs, so even on a hot day it is comfortable to sit under a reading lamp, and the AC load is even less. LED fixtures offer many flexible options. Great choice especially for high ceilings, greatly reducing replacement costs.

Cons: Initial cost, which is recouped in energy savings. Some LEDs require matched dimmers.

Here is an article on the variety of LED lights available. Since LEDs are developing so quickly, it is certainly out of date, but it does include very valuable information.

Now that the new technologies make wattage a poor indicator of light output, "lumens" and "kelvins" are the new terms to know. Here is a guide. Here is another. Look for the label on the right for interpretation.

Where to Buy

As long as Energizing Indiana lasts (see the page on Rebates and Incentives for information in your area), Home Depot, Lowes, and the Habitat for Humanity Restore stock CFL bulbs with discounts already built in.

Techniart online store also provides Energizing Indiana discounts built into their product prices for both CFLs and LEDs.

If your utility has an online store for commercial built-in discounts, as Duke does, you can purchase deeply discounted CFLs and LEDs there.

Interfaith Power and Light’s Online store also offers discounts on CFL and LED lighting. Or check out one of these: www.1000bulbs.com, www.energyavenue.com, www.elightbulbs.com.