Comparing Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
NYTimes writer William Hamilton may think compact fluorescent lightbulbs have a long way to go before they're widely accepted, but we're ready to say the bulbs are here to stay. The question is, which compact fluorescent bulbs work best and where will you want to use them? Well, readers, here are our two cents.
On Earth Day, Russ and I dropped by Home Depot to pick up our free compact fluorescent bulb, plus a couple of extras for good luck. And, because my husband is a scientist, we did a few tests, trying out different bulbs in different locations around the house.
We picked up three lightbulbs by n:vision -- in Soft White (green packaging), Bright White (blue packaging), and Daylight (red packaging). The Soft White is a 14 watt bulb -- the equivalent of a 60 watt regular lightbulb. The Daylight and Bright White bulbs are both 19 watts -- equivalent to 75 watt regular bulbs. According to the packaging, these bulbs can save $56/year in energy costs if the lightbulbs are used for 3 hours a day. All three bulbs have a 9 year warranty.
So, now the question of the hour, which bulbs - if any - would we use around the house and where would we use 'em?
We both decided we liked the 19 watt Bright White (in the red packaging) lightbulb the best. The light it gave off was clear, warm and bright. It's still fluorescent, so the light it gives off isn't as nice as a regular bulb. But it's definitely passable. We ended up using it in our laundry room. I can also see using this bulb for hallways, basements - anywhere you need good light, but don't plan to spend a ton of time luxuriating in it.
Our second favorite was the 14 watt Soft White Bulb (green packaging). The light was dimmer than the bright white, but still good enough to see by and certainly not harsh. We ended up using it in our downstairs closet. Again, closets, laundry rooms, and hallways are all good places for this light. I could also see using it outdoors on the porch.
The 19 watt Daylight Bulb (blue packaging) was our least favorite of the bunch. The light was too bright and too cold - clinical. The kind of light you see in a lab. Or an office cubicle that makes you want to quit your job. Not flattering. Not pleasant. Just cold, hard fluorescent light. Save this one for your garage or basement, I'd say. Or better yet, don't buy it at all. Get a Bright White Bulb instead. You'll thank us for it.
Available at Home Depot stores.
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Posted by Jess Brooks at May 24, 2007 7:47 AM
Fluorescent light bulbs are a great idea, but their time has not come yet. Currently, there are few, if any, recycling programs for these dangerous bulbs. They contain mercury, and if dropped or the bulb shatters, the room must be sealed off and a haz mat team must be called for clean-up. This, in my opinion, is NOT being environmentally sound or safe. The EPA is pulling the horse before the cart. Unfortunately, recycling experts say the solution is about FIVE years away. Don't get me wrong, I do everything I can to cut down on waste and recycle, but until a better fluorescent bulb is created with a recycling program, I will continue to use incandescent light bulbs. PLEASE do not use these bulbs yet. We are doing more harm than good to our environment!
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