SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - The government has mandated that by next January it’s lights out for the 100-watt incandescent light bulb. So what should you chose to replace it? The compact fluorescent or the LEDs. We’re taking action to help you make the choice.
Steve Hansen from Lighting Design says there is no reason to panic.
“No reason at all to panic about the phasing out of the 100-watt light bulbs starting January 1. There will be light bulbs available. They’ll probably be available in the 88-92-watt range.”
Incandescent bulbs are being phased out in favor of more energy efficient, cost effective lights. The two choices have their pros and cons, but the technology is getting better for each of them. The main complaint is that the lighting with the new, energy efficient bulbs is simply not as good as the incandescent bulbs, or we’re simply not used to it.
So, are the new lights worth it? Well, for a new $2 CFL, you can save an average of $3 over the life span of the bulb. And the LEDs can be even more cost effective over the long run. Also, the CFLs contain mercury and to reduce the possibility of releasing mercury into the environment, they must be recycled properly. LEDs have no mercury.
So it really comes down to your needs. Do you want to have the best lighting with the best savings while doing the best for the environment? Or do you want the best bang for your buck that provides a quick return on your cash while still helping the environment?
Steve Hansen has a few suggestions.
“The best lighting available right now for overall efficiency and everything else without considering any cost is the LED. The LED is very, very efficient and gives off great quality of light. The best bang for the buck right now is your CFL bulbs. They give us a great efficiency of lighting and energy use, but also you have to be careful you get a good quality one that gives us good color.”
By quality, he means they are durable and by color, he’s talking about the various hues and shadings you get out of your lights. So don’t be too concerned about losing incandescent light bulbs. You’ll still be able to get them and you’ll have many other options. Although the LED lamps are more expensive, they are more efficient and will save you more money in the long run, and…they contain no mercury.
For more information on this topic, go to the following websites:
The Phase-Out of Incandescent Light Bulbs: What You Need To Know:
http://earth911.com/news/2010/10/28/the-phase-out-of-incandescent-light-bulbs-what-you-need-to-know/
Cost effectiveness of LEDs:
http://www.articlesbase.com/sales-articles/is-led-light-energy-efficient-and-cost-effective-4102941.html
