Shining a light on energy-saving light bulbs

October 30, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

The days of inefficient light bulbs are slowly coming to an end. Recent tests from Consumer Reports showcased more than 30 different compact fluorescents and light-emitting diodes that can brighten indoor and outdoor spaces.

CR’s comprehensive report on CFL and LED bulbs revealed that many problems with the earlier versions have been overcome, and that these new, efficient bulbs last longer and use far less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. Shoppers now have a variety of different bulbs to match their needs.

CR’s ratings put a spotlight on 60-watt equivalent CFLs and LEDs, as those are the most popular types sold in the United States. Of the two types of bulbs tested, CFLs save money faster due to their low cost. It usually takes less than a year to recoup the cost of most CFLs, according to CR’s tests, while LEDs can take four to 10 years to pay for themselves due to the high cost of the bulb.

Also, CFLs now have less mercury. The amount in the bulbs CR tested has dropped 60 percent to 75 percent from the already low levels found in 2008, without affecting performance. Nevertheless, spent CFLs should be recycled. Home Depot, Ikea, Lowe’s and some Ace Hardware stores will accept used bulbs. To safely dispose of broken CFLs, follow the cleanup tips at www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html.

LEDs are the newest choice, with the highest price. The best LEDs were as bright as the incandescents they replaced, yet only half were as bright as promised. CR found that all LEDs reached full brightness instantly, even at frigid temperatures, providing warm, white light that was unaffected by frequently turning them on and off. Energy use matched or exceeded claims. LEDs are supposed to last 20,000 to 50,000 hours, or about 18 to 46 years when used three hours a day. Nearly all the LEDs still were burning brightly after 3,000 hours, and only four of the 100 LEDs stopped working.

CR recommended picks include three that also were evaluated by 19 CR staffers in their homes: the Philips Ambient LED 12.5W 12E26A60 60W, $40, for table or floor lamps; the EcoSmart LED Downlight 10.5W 65W E26 ECO-575L Dimmable (Home Depot), $50, for recessed or track lights; and the EcoSmart PAR38 ECS 38 Bright White 75W 866194 Dimmable LED (Home Depot), $45, an outdoor floodlight.

How to choose

Look at lumens. Watts tell only energy use; lumens measure brightness. In spirals, look for at least 450 lumens if replacing a 40-watt bulb; 800 lumens or more for a 60-watt bulb; 1,100 lumens for a 75-watt bulb; and 1,600 lumens or more when replacing a 100-watt bulb. In floodlights, look for a lumen count that is at least 10 times the wattage of the bulb being replaced.

Don’t confuse brightness with color. The whiteness, yellowness or blueness of light is measured by its temperature in kelvins. Incandescents produce a warm, yellowish light with a color temperature of about 2,700K. Bulbs in the 3,000K to 4,100K range give off a cool, bright, white light that’s similar to a halogen bulb, and 5,000K to 6,500K bulbs mimic natural daylight.

Note CRI. In addition to temperature, the Color Rendering Index indicates how accurately colors appear under the light and ranges from 0 to 100, with daytime sunlight at 100. A CRI of at least 80 is generally recommended for interior lights.

Read the package. As of Jan. 1, 2012, a Lighting Facts label must appear on the packages of most bulbs to show brightness, energy use, estimated energy costs, expected life, light color in kelvins and, for CFLs, mercury content.

Check for rebates and coupons. Visit www.dsireusa.org/incentives or www.energystar.gov to find utility rebates, and search online for manufacturer rebates and coupons.

Keep your receipts. The bulbs are supposed to last for years, so save the receipts and UPC codes, which you will need to return a bulb to the manufacturer or retailer.