Bright Idea: Get the Right Light
The government is implementing new lighting standards in January. New bulbs will cost more up front, but rack up savings in the long term.
Source: Money Talks - VIDEO http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2011/10/24/bright-idea-get-the-right-light/
Here are the main options…
1. LEDs. You’re already familiar with these on the small scale. They’re the light indicators on your cell phone and other electronics. Light-emitting diodes are about 50 times as expensive as incandescents but last more than 25 times as long. They may be kept even longer, though, because unlike traditional bulbs that burn out, LEDs simply fade over time – the dimmer light may be acceptable (or go unnoticed) for a while. Interesting side note: The Money Talks News videos you see online and on-air are now fully lighted with LEDs. Our on-camera reporters and videographers no longer have to work with hot incandescent camera lighting.
2. CFLs. Those weird spiral-shaped lights you’ve seen are compact fluorescents, although not all CFLs look that way. They can be up to 10 times the expense of incandescents, but last 10 times longer. Because they use only about a quarter of the energy old bulbs do, they pay for themselves in about nine months and start saving you money thereafter. When these first appeared, people thought of the bluish-white as “cool lighting,” but they now come in a variety of colors, including the warmer tones you may be used to.
3. Halogens. Those triangular lamps often used as porch lights will be replaced by this energy-efficient version, which is about double the old price but lasts up to three times longer.
Beyond the different types, there are some other things to know about the new lighting standards.
