Feb. 1, 2012
Light Bulb Mystery Solved
Transition to energy-efficient light bulbs is the result of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
The new standards, which California began phasing in last year, (1 year ahead of other states) do not affect specialty light bulbs: 3-way bulbs, colored lights, candelabras, refrigerator lights, heavy duty bulbs, etc. Stores will continue to sell existing inventory.
The new bulbs are more expensive initially, but burn many hours longer, making them much more economical overall. Lighting can be up to 25% of a home’s electrical demand. New labels emphasize lumens: the amount of light produced.
Here’s a comparison:
Incandescent bulbs: 100 watt bulb equals 17 lumens, burns 1000 hours
CFL: 26 watt bulb equals 1700 lumens, burns 8000 hrs.
Halogen: 72 watt bulb equals 1490 lumens, burns 1000 hrs.
LED: 12.5 watt bulb equals 800 lumens, burns 25,000 hrs.
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