The future of lighting

With the final phase of the incandescent bulb ban now in effect, consumers are looking at alternatives to these energy-gobbling lights. LED bulbs — an expensive novelty not too long ago —  have come on to the scene in a big way over the last year. If you’re looking to replace your lights, we’ll tell you what you need to know about these incandescent alternatives.

How Do They Stack Up To CFLs?

Unloved by consumers, compact fluorescent bulbs were the first, flawed wave of energy-saving bulbs. They cast a cold-hued light, took some time to come on, and contained mercury, making them a poor alternative to incandescent bulbs. However, the energy savings were undeniable. A CFL that casts as much light as a 60-watt incandescent could draw as little as 13 watts, cutting the cost of keeping the lights on by nearly 80 percent. So how do LED bulbs stack up to CFLs? They light up instantly and can now match the warm tones of an incandescent bulb, making them a great option for those that sat out the first round of energy efficient lights. And with a typical 60-watt replacement drawing a mere 9 to 10 watts of power, they are even more efficient than CFL bulbs.

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