Light Bulbs: Reviews

This soft-white light bulb is one of the top-ranked compact fluorescent light bulbs in comparison reviews, both for reading lamps and general lighting. It's spiral is small, so it fits in most lamps. The 14-watt version… emits the equivalent of a 60-watt incandescent light bulb. These compact fluorescent light bulbs are rated to last an average of 10,000 hours, a rating that's been proven in independent lab testing (incandescent bulbs last only about 1,000 hours each). The N:Vision nine-year warranty is outstanding, as is the company's return policy. It's not meant for use with dimmers, but a three-way light bulb is available (though it doesn't work in every three-way fixture).

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Halogen light bulbs turn on instantly and can be used with dimmers, unlike most compact fluorescent light bulbs. While the Philips Halogena bulbs are more efficient and longer-lasting (about 3,000 hours) than incandescent… bulbs, they aren't as efficient or long lasting as CFL bulbs (which can last 10,000 hours). Still, reviews recommend halogen bulbs for fixtures that are turned on and off often, because this doesn't shorten their life. The light is especially good for task lights and displaying art, and reviewers say the light is pleasing. These energy-saving halogen light bulbs copy the style of most incandescent bulbs, and they fit medium-base, screw-in light fixtures. They use about 30 percent less energy than an incandescent (so a 70-watt light bulb replaces a 100-watt incandescent).

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Most compact fluorescent light bulbs contain up to 5 milligrams of mercury, which can be a health hazard if the bulb breaks. These Litetronics light bulbs, however, use lead-free glass and solder, only 1 milligram of… mercury and are packaged in recyclable cardboard, so they are more environmentally friendly than other brands. Owners say they're compact enoughto fit light fixtures well, and the 23-watt bulb replaces a 100-watt incandescent. They're available in three color temperatures: warm, cool and full spectrum -- but they don't work with dimmers.

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