
Is it OK to use a 23-watt CFL instead? That would give me the equivalent of a 100-watt incandescent.įixtures have a safety rating and one should not put in bulbs that exceed the labeled rating (such as "do not exceed 60 watts"). If I use an LED or CFL, can I use a brighter bulb? For instance, a 13-watt CFL is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent. I have some sockets that take nothing higher than a 60-watt bulb. Candelabra and globe CFLs have been around for years, and LED models are coming on line now, too.

These include candelabra or flame-shaped bulbs, as well as the round globe-shaped bulbs that are often used in the bathroom vanity over the sink. The great news is there is an energy-efficient CFL or LED for just about every socket. If your fixture is dimmable, almost all LEDs are dimmable and you can enjoy even more flexibility.Īre there CFLs or LEDs for candelabra bulbs? What about globe-shaped bulbs for my bathroom vanity? If you have a three-way socket, you can buy a three-way CFL which will offer low, medium and high light output, just like your old incandescent bulb did. If you want to have different levels of light and use an energy-saving bulb, you have two great choices. Is there a CFL or LED version of the three-way bulb? I have at least three lamps that use a three-way bulb (50/100/150), and I like having the option in terms of brightness. You should also be aware that while incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury, they cause a lot more mercury to be emitted into the environment from coal-burning power plants, since they use four times more energy than a CFL to produce the same amount of light.
LED VS HALOGEN FREE
Consumers should take advantage of free CFL recycling programs that are offered by leading retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe's. Isn't this a problem for landfills? Are we going to start hearing about dangerous mercury levels in the ground and water in a few years?ĬFLs have very low levels of mercury in them, now as low as 2 mg per bulb.
LED VS HALOGEN FULL
Additionally, CFLs may not turn on or reach their full brightness in really cold temperatures.Įveryone I've talked to says they just throw dead CFLs in the trash. Switching your CFL on and off frequently may shorten its life.

Those bulbs are not only efficient but also meet the Environmental Protection Agency's rigorous performance requirements and must pass various tests including longevity. I have some bulbs that last years but others that die within a year.Īs not all CFLs are created equal, only buy those that have the Energy Star logo on them. Why do some CFLs die so quickly? The whole seven-year life thing seems random.
