Light Bulbs

Consumer Reports first tested compact fluorescent light bulbs in October 2007. This October 2008 update reflects a year's worth of testing, in which some bulbs had surpassed their claimed life. From the… 2007 test, 20 light bulb models are tested. Durability is rated by cycling bulbs on for three hours, then off for 20 minutes. Efficiency is rated, but oddly enough, light quality is not. The review covers compact fluorescent light bulbs with light output roughly equivalent to that of a 60-watt incandescent light bulb. The review reports the number of seconds it takes each light bulb to warm up to full lighting power, and it compares the actual light output (in lumens) with the manufacturer's claim.

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This review compares seven compact fluorescent light bulbs with a 75-watt incandescent light bulb, based on both objective and subjective tests. Color temperature and brightness are measured with a Minolta… chroma meter; power consumption with an ammeter. Subjective judgments are based on a double-blind test (with testers not knowing which bulb was which) by four testers, including a lighting expert. All seven compact fluorescent lights rank higher than the incandescent light bulb, even though they aren't as bright by objective standards. None of the top-rated light bulbs excel on every factor, so the best light bulb depends on your priorities: color, perceived brightness, reading or the way faces look. Readers add comments, with quite a few complaints about the durability of some bulbs -- including the top-ranked N:Vision Soft White.

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Tom Harrison, a software developer and green blogger, identifies the GE Energy Smart CFL Bulbs as a favorite and provides a list of recommended CFL bulbs, all of which are made by GE. Harrison has tested… these bulbs personally and informally, but the comments are insightful and practical. The article offers information on what to expect from CFLs in comparison with incandescent bulbs, as well as advice on how to choose quality bulbs that meet expectations. It also addresses the mercury issue. A few dozen reader comments compliment the advice provided in the article.

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This hands-on review of energy-saving light bulbs, written by a Microsoft program manager, compares several compact fluorescent light bulbs but also covers Philips Halogena Energy Saver bulbs. Though the… author's emphasis is on light bulbs for recessed ceiling fixtures, the same bulbs can be used in regular lamps. Like most reviewers, he prefers soft white light bulbs for general lighting. He does recommend bright white N:Vision compact fluorescent light bulbs for workspaces, however. Philips Halogena Energy Saver light bulbs get nothing but praise here because they contain no mercury, can be used with dimmer switches, and produce a pleasant light.

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This article discusses the possibility that LEDs may replace CFLs as the eco-friendly lighting of choice. The author addresses the fact that LED lighting has been around for a long time, and that technology… has improved their use for more practical purposes. Like CFLs, the cost of LEDs is higher than that of traditional lighting, and dimness is an issue. LEDs are more efficient in terms of energy savings than both CFLs and incandescent bulbs. The article points to EvoLux and ZetaLux as leaders in the LED market, offering very low operating costs in exchange for extremely high initial costs, sometimes $80 for one bulb. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

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This unattributed but detailed review of the Sylvania Micro Mini Twist CFL notes that this bulb is Energy Star-certified, has a convenient small size, and is superior to most other CFLs. Pros and cons of… the Mini Twist are listed, including the fact that Sylvania Micro Minis have committed to using only 1.5 milligrams of mercury as opposed to the standard 5 milligrams for typical CFLs. The only downside noted is that the 825 lumens of light produced seems slightly dim. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

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The light bulb search tool at this site can be useful, especially if you're looking for a special kind of compact fluorescent light bulb -- one that can be used with a dimmer switch or three-way lamp, for… example. You can also filter the search tool to show only Energy Star-rated light bulbs. Forty-nine brands are reviewed here, although most have accumulated only a few owner-written reviews and ratings. The site also publishes useful tips for choosing a compact fluorescent light bulb that matches your needs -- recommending 3,000K bulbs for reading lights, for example.

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We found five reviews of the GE 3-Way Spiral CFL Bulb at ACE Hardware. The primary complaint with this bulb is that the size is too large to fit a standard table lamp at 6.3 inches long. Reviewers seemed… pleased with the light quality and energy savings, however, when the bulb was an appropriate size for their lamps. Although having only two reviews, both gave the product five stars. One reviewer noted that the bulbs are not sensitive to bumps and falls like other light bulbs, and the other reviewer was pleased with the quality, longevity, color temperature and price of the GE Mini Spiral.

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