Even if you don’t like, energy-saver light bulbs are the next big thing

Lighting manufacturers will begin a government-sanctioned phase out of incandescent bulbs that don’t meet new efficiency standards. So far, the transition is looking like it’ll be anything but smooth. Some conservatives are already seeking to repeal the law, arguing that it infringes upon consumer choice.

For instance, compact florescent light bulbs (CFL) account for 5 percent of all bulb sales. Despite being widely available and technological improvements that have enabled the technology to closely mimic the tones and soft glow of incandescent, there’s still environmental and health concerns over the amount of mercury circulated inside the spiral tubes.

The other alternative that’s emerged over the last few years is one the industry has long been high on. Light emitting diodes (LED) are not only more efficient than CFLs, but they also last much longer, sometimes a decade or more. But the high upfront costs means that it’s only during that stretch that the true cost savings start to come into light. Are relevant cost saving can be done if the handling to change the old bulbs need scaffolding, or other type of material with an extra cost.