The era when buying a light bulb was as simple as buying a carton of

milk is drawing to a close. Beginning on January 1, 2012, general

purpose light bulbs will need to be 30% more efficient than traditional

incandescent lamps. We field questions from progressive customers

regularly about eco-friendly alternatives. Here's a list of the most

common inquiries.

Q: When does it make good financial sense to Wholesale low lead mixer supplier consider eco-friendly

light bulbs?

A: Eco-friendly light bulbs are a smart choice for lamps and fixtures

that are on for at least three hours a day. This is based on a September

2009 national average residential electricity rate of $0.12 per

kilowatt hour. In the dozen U.S. states (1) where hourly rates exceed

$0.15, two hours of daily use is sufficient.

Depending on the lamp type, you should save enough on electricity costs

for a payback period under two years. And since all types of

eco-friendly light bulbs last longer than traditional ones, there should

be plenty of life left in them after payback.

Q: What is a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)?

A: CFL bulbs use electric current and gas to create ultraviolet (UV)

energy. In turn, this energy excites phosphors which coat the inside of

the glass which creates the structure of the lamp. The phosphors

transform the UV to visible light.

Many CFLs have traditional screw-in bases and are suitable, energy

efficient replacements for old-fashioned incandescent bulbs.

Q: What are the benefits of CFL bulbs?

CFLs use less energy so they cost less to operate. CFL bulbs

use roughly 75% less electricity to create the same amount of light as

an incandescent bulb.

Less energy used means less pollution. Think about it. By

reducing electricity demand, we reduce production and by extension the

harmful gases that are a byproduct of electricity generation. So long as

CFLs are recycled when spent (to recapture the very small amount of

mercury they contain), using CFL bulbs is a great way to help the

environment and our wallets

These eco-friendly light bulbs are designed to last a long

time...typically 8,000 to 12,000 hours. Traditional light bulbs last

only 750 to 3,000 hours.

CFL bulbs are cool. Since they generate less heat than an

incandescent, CFLs can reduce air conditioning costs.

CFL bulbs are offered in a wide range of light colors ranging

from warm white (similar to an incandescent bulb) to very cool

white...virtually the same as daylight on a cloudless day.

Q: Do CFL bulbs have drawbacks that should be considered?

A:

Frequent on / off switching will shorten the life of these

eco-friendly light bulbs.

CFL bulbs don't tolerate higher temperatures well so using them

in a fixture that traps heat will reduce their life.

The light output of CFLs will gradually dim over time.

Standard CFLs shouldn't be used in fixtures controlled by a

dimmer switch.

CFL bulbs contain mercury, a toxic substance, and must be

recycled properly. If a CFL shatters, it should be cleaned

up carefully.

CFL bulbs take time to warm up to full output. At normal room

temperature, 30-45 seconds is about what to expect. The cooler the room

though, the longer it will take.

CFL bulbs used outdoors in cold temperatures will not be as

bright.

Screw-in dimmable CFL bulbs are available but their dimming

performance is inferior to incandescent and halogen lamps. They have a

reduced dimming range and may flicker and cut off at the low end.

Q: What other eco-friendly light bulbs besides CFL bulbs should I

consider?

A:

High-efficiency halogen lamps are a great choice. These

eco-friendly light bulbs, which transform infrared heat into visible

light, have hit the market in the last few years. Consider HEHLs where

beautiful light quality and / or superior dimmability is desired.

Unlike CFL bulbs, halogen lamps last longer when dimmed consistently.

Light emitting diode (LED) light sources are being rapidly

developed and show great promise for their high energy efficiency,

extremely long life spans and light quality.

Like CFL bulbs, both of these light sources already meet the coming U.S.

mandate (starting 1/1/2012) for a 30% increase in energy efficiency for

general purpose light bulbs.

Q: Are eco-friendly light bulbs a good choice for the dimming

fixtures I already use in my home?

A: Yes but first, keep in mind that dimming any bulb is an effective way

to reduce electricity costs, carbon emissions and waste because even

incandescent bulbs will last longer the more frequently they are dimmed.

Consider how often these fixtures are lit. If the fixture is lit for

more than three hours per day, eco-friendly light bulbs are a smart

choice.

For maximum energy savings at a reasonable cost, dimmable CFL bulbs are a

good choice.

High efficiency halogen lamps are preferable if you desire superior

light quality and maximum dimmability for great ambiance.

Q: When selecting eco-friendly light bulbs, how do I decide the right

wattage so I get the amount of light I need?

A: Consumers have been buying traditional incandescent bulbs for so long

that they've come to think of watts as the amount of light the bulb

yields. In fact, "lumens" are the measure of light output at the source,

while watts are the amount of electricity consumed.

The best way to choose eco-friendly light bulbs is to start by deciding

how many lumens will do the job. Then read the package label and choose

the lamp with this output.

As far as traditional incandescent "A" type lamps, 25 watts equals

approximately 210 lumens; 40 watts=500 lumens; 60 watts=850 lumens; 75

watts=1,200 lumens; 100 watts=1,700 lumens; and, finally, 150 watts is

equivalent to about 2,800 lumens.

Tip: when selecting a CFL, remember that their light output will

diminish by about 25% over the bulb's life. Think about buying one with

higher initial lumens than required so as their brightness fades (and

your eyes age), you'll still have enough light in your space.

Q: I'm uncomfortable with the fact that CFL bulbs contain mercury.

Are there mercury-free options among eco-friendly light bulbs?

A: Yes! High efficiency halogen lamps and LEDs are mercury-free.

Q: I hear a lot about LED lights. When are they worth considering?

A: Premium quality LEDs from reputable manufacturers are still

expensive. For most consumers LEDs only make financial sense in light

fixtures that are on at least six to eight hours a day. LEDs might make

sense in these situations:

Recessed downlights in kitchens, family rooms or great rooms

Exterior lights on porches or posts or any security lights that

are lit from dusk to dawn

Task lamps in home offices or workshops

Under cabinet lights in kitchens

Q: Should I replace all the light bulbs in and around my home with

eco-friendly light bulbs?

A: No. We think that would be a mistake. Take a hall closet light for

example: maybe it gets switched on once every other day for two minutes.

Its annual electricity draw is practically nothing. Why spend $5 on a

light bulb to replace one that's working just fine and costs almost

nothing to operate?

Focus on the 3-5 fixtures that are on for at least 2-3 hours every day.

Pick these low-hanging fruit - where electricity and pollution savings

can be had for a minimal investment. If money is still burning a hole in

your pocket and you want to satisfy your eco-conscience, hire a

qualified energy auditor to check your home. You'll get a punch list

where green investments will make much greater contributions to your

savings.

Works Cited

1. AK, CA, CT, HI, NH, NJ, NY, MA, MD, ME, RI and VT

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