Wednesday, October 5, 2011

What about light bulb?

The light bulb aisle isn't as simple as it used to be. From CFLs to LEDs to new halogen incandescent, there are a lot of choices. With new federal regulations about to take effect, it's a good time to consider your lighting options.

New federal rules on energy efficiency take effect in January and start the official phase out of standard incandescent light bulbs. There's no need to hoard them, though. The most popular 60-watt size can be made until 2014. In the meantime, the good news is that alternatives are improving.

· Consumer Reports tested light emitting diodes, or LEDs, which use even less energy than CFLs. Testers tried the bulbs in a lab and at home.

“You want a light bulb that's as close to the incandescent. It has warm color. This LED happens to be a lot like that”

“LED bulbs are quite expensive and can cost anywhere from $17 for a table lamp bulb to more than $60 for a floodlight, but they worth it”

“Even with a LEDs high cost, you can still save $100 or more over its life compared to a standard incandescent”

“LEDs have some distinct advantages over CFLs. They reach full brightness instantly, and some are also better at dimming”

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