What Are The Changes in Light Bulbs

Over the next three years incandescent light bulbs will be removed from the shelves of stores because of the new law that requires changes in light bulbs. Many of us know about the changes but have not moved forward to make decisions on what we are going to do when we are forced to change our bulbs. What is available, how much light do we get from the different bulbs and how long do they last? What will that cost me?

The Four Types of Light Bulbs

Because of the changes in light bulb regulations, we will review the four different types of bulbs:

1 The incandescent light bulb, which was invented by Thomas Edison, is very inefficient. It wastes 90% of its energy on heat. This was changed because of the Energy and Independence Security Act that requires light bulbs be more efficient. They must use 25% less electricity. These incandescent lights will be phased out by 2014.

2. Halogen, incandescent light bulbs are about 25% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulb because they have a component that holds gas that increases bulb efficiency. They last as much as three times longer than traditional bulbs. They are most like the lights we presently use and are available in many wattages and colors. These bulbs can be used with dimmers.

3. Compact Florescent Lamps (CFLs) are the curly bulbs that are presently seen as the correct choice. The light they give off is different from incandescent bulbs. They are 75-85% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. More importantly they contain mercury. Although the level of mercury is small, some people say the mercury can leak even when the bulb is in tact and not broken. Mercury is extremely dangerous and is a poison. Disposing of these bulbs is difficult and special precautions are necessary when they are no longer useable. These bulbs cannot be used in lighting that is dimmed. They are seen as a less expensive choice that LEDs.

4. LEDs (light emitting diode) are seen as the light of the future. Although expensive, the light is very good and it takes less wattage to get a better light. They are 75% more efficient than the traditional incandescent bulb. This light is used for outdoor lighting, such as infrastructural lighting, which is used in street sights and crosswalk signals. This lighting is the most expensive. It would take several years to make your money back on the price charged for this lighting at current prices.

What Are The Best Choices In Light Bulbs

People have had many reactions to the regulations that make us change our choice of light bulbs. Many people are hording the traditional incandescent bulbs because they feel that the laws are forced on them and they do not like that the government is making them choose something different. They feel it is not their role in controlling lighting choices. Other people like the fact that we are working towards a more energy efficient world with this small change.

With the varying responses to these choices there will be people who will go with the least expensive choice. The prices are going down on the newer bulbs and it is expected that they will continue to go down as more there is more competition in bulbs and their prices. Presently most people will use CFL light bulbs because of the cost variation. It is assumed that it is also a transitional light bulb as the LED prices will come down and will be seen as a better choice.

The website Energy.gov gives a chart to help understand the costs related to the different types of bulbs.

http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/how-energy-efficient-light-bulbs-compare-traditional-incandescents

Yuka Yoneda is the senior editor at Inhabitat. She gives an interesting analysis of the different types of bulbs so that it is clear as to how to make difference choices. We know why the bulbs are banned; yet we are not sure what choice to make. This is an informative video.

As well as learning about the changes in light bulbs, you can read other interesting articles on living a healthier lifestyle and living an eco-friendly life, you can read more articles on www.TheseAreGreat.com.

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