Light Bulbs
It’s never been so easy to light up your life.
Modern light bulb technology has allowed manufacturers to create bulbs that produce more light at a fraction of the wattage of traditional incandescent bulbs. This is because the input energy is used more efficiently by these new bulbs—that is, converted to light energy instead of heat.
The good news continues: these bulbs are becoming more and more affordable. We’ve evaluated three types of energy-efficient bulbs: Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), Halogens, and Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
So how to choose? Bulb packaging now lists lumen output, or the amount of light perceptible by the human eye: the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Generally, it is best to choose the right lumen output for your purposes, and then buy a bulb with the lowest corresponding wattage in order to save money and energy. Also, wattage recommendations in fixtures are maximums. For example, if a lamp says it takes a 60W bulb, it means you can use an energy-efficient bulb with lower wattage but higher lumens than an incandescent 60W bulb. However, newer fixtures are noting the “CFL equivalent” of the maximum wattage, which should be followed.
Check the packaging for the bulb’s light spectrum, as your intended usage or location may affect which bulb you buy:
• 2700Kº = Very Warm White = suited for living room, dining room, bedroom, other living spaces
• 3000Kº = Warm White = suited for living room, dining room, bedroom, other living spaces, kitchen, bathroom, laundry etc.
• 3500Kº = Intermediate White = suited for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, utility storage, home office
• 4100Kº = Cool White = suited for utility room, storage, home office, or task lighting
CFLs
CFL bulbs will last between 8 and 15 times longer and use less than a third of the power of an equivalent incandescent bulb. Traditionally, CFL bulbs have been larger than their incandescent cousins. Their spiral shape has also obstructed lampshade clips, while others find them to be unattractive. However, advances in technology have meant there are now CFL bulbs designed to work with traditional fixtures. Smaller bulbs, generally labeled ‘mini’ or ‘smaller’, are now available, though even the smallest of CFL bulbs may still not work in certain fixtures. Some CFLs in the lower wattage range come covered so the spirals are not visible.
There are now CFL bulbs rated for use in devices with three-way-touch, dimming, and motion sensing capabilities, but they may not always work as labeled. Regardless, read labels carefully for restrictions, as the limitations of these bulbs may be complicated. CFLs with a recent Energy Star certification start in less than one second and do not flicker. Cold-weather CFL bulbs also exist, which have been rated for as low as −23 °C.
CFL bulbs cannot be disposed of in the regular garbage stream because they contain small amounts of mercury. Therefore, CFL bulbs need to be taken to a collection site for safe disposal. You can find a list of collection sites at www.lamprecycle.org. Home Depots, IKEAs, and other home/hardware stores also accept spent CFLs.
While the presence of mercury may scare some people into using other bulbs, if a CFL bulb is broken and the pieces disposed of quickly, the resulting exposure to mercury is equivalent to eating a single nibble of Albacore tuna, according to the Illuminating Engineering Society. The Society suggests the following if you accidentally break a CFL bulb:
1. Ventilate the area where the lamp is broken with outside air
2. Promptly clean up and remove any visible debris to a ventilated (preferably outdoor) area
3. Avoid vacuuming up the pieces as vacuuming forces mercury into the air.
Also, in areas with coal-fired power stations, the use of CFLs actually reduces mercury emissions when compared to the use of incandescent bulbs. Why? Powering a 100W incandescent bulb with coal powered electricity releases more mercury than is used in the manufacturing and use of an equivalent 23W CFL bulb.
Halogen bulbs
Halogen bulbs are actually incandescent bulbs that contain halogen gas within the bulb. This gas helps ‘redeposit’ the tungsten on the tungsten filament, which prolongs the life of the bulb and allows the bulb to burn brighter while using less energy. Halogens are approximately 40% more efficient and last twice as long as regular incandescents. Halogen bulbs behave much like typical incandescents, and work in three-way touch devices. However, they do get hotter than regular incandescent bulbs and can pose fire and burn hazards. Some safety codes now require halogen bulbs to be protected by a grid or grille.
LED bulbs
LED bulbs usually consist of a cluster of many diodes, which together produce bulbs that are more efficient than both incandescents and CFLs. To illustrate, a 6-watt LED light bulb can generate double the brightness of a 30-watt incandescent bulb. To match the brightness of this LED you would require a 15-watt compact florescent light bulb. LED bulbs can also last up to 50 times longer than standard incandescents, and are mercury-free.
Larger adoption of LED bulbs has been historically hindered by cost, since bulbs retail at about four to five times that of CFL bulbs. However, according to some manufacturers, LED bulbs will go down to about $10 in five years due to demand and new, lower-cost manufacturing processes.
For more on LEDs, go to eaglelight.com and click on “LED University.”
GE 60-watt halogen
Sep 2010
This 60-watt halogen is meant to replace a 60-watt incandescent. While using the same amount of wattage, it will last longer. This bulb is made in China. GE placed first on Corporate Knights’ Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World for 2010. The company offers a wide range of energy-efficient and traditional lighting solutions. More >
Noma Ultra Mini spiral Bulb (CFL)
Sep 2010
This 23-watt Energy Star-rated bulb is meant to replace a 100-watt incandescent, and is sized smaller than the typical CFL to accommodate some older fixtures. Noma does not reveal its manufacturing practices or environmental policies and there was no indication that the bulbs are made in an environmentally or socially responsible manner. Like all CFL More >
Blue Planet covered A-line spiral bulb (CFL)
Sep 2010
This 15-watt bulb, part of Canadian Tire’s eco-friendly private label line, is meant to replace a 60-watt incandescent. It is rated to last 6,000 hours and produces 800 lumens of brightness, while equivalent incandescents produce around 660-800 lumens of brightness. This bulb is a covered CFL, which means that there is an extra layer of More >
Sylvania Micro Mini CFL
Sep 2010
This 23-watt bulb is meant to replace a 100-watt incandescent. It contains only 1.5 mg of mercury, which is much lower than the industry standard of 5 mg of mercury. Sylvania has enacted environmental management programs that include reducing the presence of toxic ingredients in manufacturing. The bulb is made in China and available via More >
GE Energy Smart (CFL)
Sep 2010
This 26-watt bulb is meant to replace a 100-watt bulb and is rated for 12,000 hours and 1,650 lumens (about the same as an incandescent). Like all CFL bulbs, this bulb contains mercury. It is also made in China. GE placed first on Corporate Knights’ Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World for 2010. More >
Globe LED accent light 1.2 watts
Sep 2010
This 1.2-watt bulb is meant to replace an 18-watt bulb and produces 20 lumens of brightness. It is rated to last 30,000 hours. It is made in China. No details are provided about the manufacturer’s environmental or social commitments. The bulb and packaging can be disposed of in the garbage.