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I love how government works. Back in 2007 a law was passed that effectively would eliminate traditional incandescent light bulbs from being sold in the US. A part of that law was supposed to take effect on January 1st 2012 when the 100 watt light bulb was to be eliminated from store shelves. Well, now it’s on hold. While I am of the mindset that you should be able to buy whatever kind of light bulb you want. I am also a big proponent of higher efficiency light bulbs that are available, affordable, and will just plain save you money each and every day.

Incandescent bulbs have been around since the early 1800′s. They give off great light but are not very efficient. About 90% of the energy it uses produces heat not light. The average life of a traditional bulb is about 1,000 hours. While these bulbs are inexpensive the real cost is what you spend in energy to use them. Here is a quick cost analysis between a 60 watt bulb and a 13 watt equivalent CFL bulb:

60 watt bulb life = 1,000 hours
13 watt CFL life = 8,000 hours

1 CFL bulb equals 8 standard bulbs in life of the bulb
8 standard bulbs cost: $4.00
1 CFL bulb cost: $5.99
Electricity cost standard bulb: $52.00
Electricity cost CFL bulb: $ 12.00

I think we all understand that compact fluorescent bulbs and also LED bulbs save more money. But many of you do not like the light they give off. This light temperature has gotten a lot better. One aspect of the new lighting is understanding how to read what you are getting. The term watts will no longer be used. Now you have to buy your lights based on the lumens it gives off. Watts always referred to the energy used not the light, but we all understood that a 100 watt bulb was brighter than a 40 watt. To find equivalent brightness to traditional lights refer to this comparison:

40 watt bulb: 400-500 lumens
60 watt bulb: 700-800 lumens
100 watt bulb: 1500-1700 lumens

Higher efficient bulbs will now list the lumens on the package to inform on the brightness of light.

There is a concern about the Mercury that is used in CFL bulbs. The EPA encourages recycling of these bulbs but does not mandate it. This is my opinion: the majority of the energy created in our country is from coal fired power plants that pour tons of Mercury into the atmosphere. The amount of Mercury in a CFL is the size of the tip of a pencil. Be cautious, of course. Do not lick it if it breaks. But worry about something else!

Within these bulbs you will find all kinds of choices as to brightness and functionality like dim-able and three way combinations. But above all they last long and will save you money long term.