The Bare Bulb Facts

Goodbye incandescent bulbs, goodbye...
Actually, that isn't entirely true, yet. But it is in our near future. California has already started phasing out incandescent bulbs. By 2014 they will be hard to get. 
That doesn't mean that you should run to your nearest Home Depot and stock up! You won't be stuck looking in the mirror and seeing your face bathed in an awful, sick looking fluorescent light. They have made progress using Halogen and LED's. Plus, they are working on better compact fluorescents.
I know it's hard to conceive, giving up incandescents even though deep inside you know it's the right thing to do for the environment. Yes, they will be more expensive, but they will last so much longer.
So let's look at some options:


    Light Emitting Diode (LED's)
Long lasting (up to 20 years!), low wattage (not hot) great for task lighting in kitchens and illuminating art. **Mercury-free**


    Compact Fluorescent (CF's)
Can be used in most household fixtures, uses 75% less energy then an incandescent, produces less heat and lasts up to 10 times longer then incandescents. Available in soft white, cool white and daylight. CF's do contain trace amounts of Mercury so be careful when handling and should be dropped off at a recycling center.


     Halogen  
Typically last 3 times longer then incandescents, more expensive then CF's, common in outdoor floodlights and small indoor spotlights (such as under cabinets)


One of the most common complaints about CF's is that they take several seconds to reach full light output. We are accustomed to instant light and the flickering can be annoying. Have no fear! GE has created the first Hybrid Bulb which is a combination CF and Halogen. When you flip on the light, the Halogen lights up for about 30 seconds while the CF reaches capacity! Genius!


You can also purchase LED and Halogen decorative bulbs for your chandeliers and wall sconces.
And for all the dimmer lovers out there, not to worry, Lutron and Leviton are introducing dimmer switches that work with CFL and LED bulbs along with the traditional incandescents and halogens.


Well folks, there you have it. All tied up in a neat little bow. But, if you're standing in the light bulb aisle of your favorite hardware store and can't remember anything you've just read, just remember: choose bulbs that give you more lumens per watt.