Simply screwing in one of nonprofit independent product-testing organization, Consumer Reports', top-rated LED lightbulbs could save consumers about US$ 125 in electricity over the bulb's life.
January 1, 2014 marks the date when most screw-in incandescent light bulbs will be phased out because they use too much energy. Standard 60- and 40-watt bulbs are the last to be phased out, though remaining stock can be sold. Seventy-five- and 100-watt bulbs faded away over the past two years.
The good news for consumers is that compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and LEDs use 75 to 80 percent less energy, and can save consumers US$ 60 to US$ 125 dollars per bulb, compared with a traditional 60-watt incandescent.
Some LEDs can be expensive to buy, up to US$ 60 each for some floodlights in the Consumer Reports' ratings. Even at that price, these bulbs can still save consumers about US$ 170 over a lifetime compared with a similar incandescent. Additionally, CR found that manufacturers are making more affordable LEDs these days, including several models that cost US$ 20 or less.
Tips to Finding the Right Bulb for Every Room
Consumer Reports October issue cover story includes ratings of dozens of different types of LED and CFL bulbs. The report also features a room-by-room guide to choosing the best LEDs and CFLs, and a clip-and-save lightbulb buying guide that you can take shopping. The guide explains the lightbulb lingo you'll see on packaging, and the pros and cons of LED, CFL and halogen bulbs.
Family or living room
Aim accent and task lights away from shiny surfaces, such as TV screens, to prevent reflected glare. If the fixture is turned on and off a lot, use an LED. On/off cycling will shorten the life of a CFL. Consider the Samsung A19 LED, US$ 30 and Great Value 14W CFL, US$ 1.25.
Kitchen and dining room
A centrally placed ceiling fixture or recessed lights usually provide general lighting here. Some CFLs and LEDs are bigger or heavier than incandescents. Bring an old bulb when shopping to prevent getting a bulb that will stick out. Consider the EcoSmart LED, $25, for 6-inch recessed lights.
Bathrooms
Cool light is often recommended, but it can distort colors when applying makeup and lights over the sink can cast unpleasant shadows on the face; lights on either side of the mirror or medicine cabinet are better. Consider the Ikea Ledare, US$ 14 and EcoSmart 6-inch downlight, US$ 25, for the best color accuracy of all the LEDs based on Consumer Reports testing.
Bedrooms
Relaxation and romance are key in this room. Dimmers and warm lighting can help, so look for bulbs in the 2700 to 2900 Kelvin range. Skip CFLs in lamps in children's rooms, where rough-housing is more likely to lead to broken bulbs because they contain mercury. For lamps and enclosed fixtures the Feit Electric CFL, US$ 2.50, casts a warm light and replaces a 60-watt bulb. The Samsung LED, US$ 30, does too and can be used in a lamp or open shade.
Outdoors
Safety, security and ambience are important, but consumers should consider climate. CFLs take longer to brighten the colder it gets. Bulbs in the 2700 to 3000 Kelvin range complement warm colored exteriors; cooler colored bulbs, 3500 K or higher, highlight gray-colored exteriors. The Samsung PAR38 LED spotlight, US$ 55 is a good choice and replacement for 75-watt bulbs.
