Energy-Saving Lightbulbs Incandescent bulbs are ­changing quickly to keep up with more-efficient, longer-lasting competitors­

BY PAUL DeGROOT

halogen CFL Pros Inexpensive; great color- Pros High efficacy; long rendering index (CRI) for most life; fairly inexpensive; home environments; easily excellent omnidirectional dimmable; no mercury or diffusion; good range semiconductors for disposal; of color temperatures; small huge range of shapes and and lightweight. sizes; full range of beam Cons Start-up delay for dispersion, from spot to flood some types; contain mercury to omnidirectional; good on/ 1 (less than ⁄100 the amount off cycling performance; great in a mercury thermometer); for motion-sensor ; not poor starting in very cold temperature sensitive, so environments (although bulbs excellent for appliances (ovens, with special cold-weather refrigerators, freezers). ballasts are available); Cons Low efficacy; excessive dimmable CFLs may require heat, which adds to cooling costs special dimmers; frequent in summer; short bulb life; poor on/off cycling, such as with choice for fixtures with limited outdoor lights controlled access or very high ceilings; by motion detectors, can damage shelf contents with shortens lamp life; possible heat when used as undercabinet incompatibility with photocells ; vibration and impacts such as those on motion- can break filaments. sensing outdoor floodlights.

f you haven’t noticed, there’s a nologies aren’t new, but they have gained far it home to try it out, and then returning it if lightbulb revolution in full swing, more momentum thanks to recent federal they don’t like the color of the light, its reac- marching double-time to an energy- legislation (sidebar, facing page). tion time when switched on, or its behavior efficiency beat. Incandescent bulbs, Today, these energy-conserving bulbs come when dimmed. For this article, I knew I’d Ionce the king of home lighting, are relin- in so many shapes and sizes, with prices all have to try as many bulbs as I could in my quishing more and more shelf space to bulbs over the map, that a trip down the lightbulb home. I couldn’t possibly test all of the vari- such as CFLs (compact fluorescents) and aisle can leave you bewildered. Many shop- ous brands and sizes, so I focused on bulbs LEDs (light-emitting diodes). These tech- pers have resorted to buying a bulb, bringing that were available at the stores in my area

46 FINE HOMEBUILDING Photos this page, facing page: Jim Wehtje COPYRIGHT 2013 by The Taunton Press, Inc. Copying and distribution of this article is not permitted. It’s not a bulb ban Over the past few years, there’s been considerable ranting about a government plan to Energy-Saving Lightbulbs force the everyday lightbulb into extinction. Anecdotes tell of folks hoarding 100w bulbs to avoid having to switch to energy-saving alternatives. Contrary to that rumor, incan- descent bulbs have not been banned, but the Energy Inde- pendence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 demands that they be more energy efficient. The act, which is intended to move the United States toward a higher level of nationwide energy efficiency and security, includes changes to the perfor- mance of our cars, appliances, and yes, our lightbulbs. The big shortcoming of a LeD traditional incandescent bulb Pros Very long life; low power is that it converts only about consumption; can be made in 1⁄10 of incoming energy into vis- all shapes and sizes; less heat ible light; the rest is emitted as emission than incandescents; heat. With billions of standard small size is ideal for hiding as screw-in light sockets in homes cove and undercabinet lighting; excellent for luminaires in very worldwide, that’s a staggering high ceilings or hard-to-reach amount of wasted energy. The locations; excellent at directional goal of the EISA legislation is spotlighting; no mercury content for every lightbulb, including (although some hazardous incandescents, to convert a content is likely). substantial portion of electric- Cons Expensive; bargain models may ity into visible light. Because not perform as promised; fewer lumens standard incandescents don’t in general (but getting better); odd measure up, improvements appearance for certain uses; nondiffuse light for some bulb types; not suitable are coming. Incandescents will for fully enclosed fixtures due to heat remain, and they will still cast buildup; incompatibility with some bright, pleasing light. They’ll dimmers; some toxic content; not just do so more efficiently. suitable for extreme heat environments; The law targeted 100w bulbs slight start-up delay for some (but no in January 2012 (California warm-up as with some CFLs). began the switch in 2011), requiring that they use 27% less energy while remaining of Austin, Texas. I also limited myself to kept many consumers from accepting earlier approximately as bright as they screw-in replacement bulbs—the type in versions of energy-saving bulbs. If you’re one always had been. Now, instead table lamps, ceiling lights, and recessed cans. of those skeptics, I believe that today’s better of 100-watters in stores, you’ll Incandescent bulbs have been warming our bulbs will change your mind. see 72w bulbs listed as “100w faces with their light (and their heat) for so equivalents.” In 2013, ordinary long, though, that considering any substitute next-gen incandescents 75w bulbs will begin to phase is, for some, a Herculean task. Unflattering After the federal legislation was passed, out; 40w and 60w bulbs are tar- light color, early burnouts, and high costs makers of incandescents moved quickly geted for 2014.

www.finehomebuilding.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 47 COPYRIGHT 2013 by The Taunton Press, Inc. Copying and distribution of this article is not permitted. Utilitech Pro LeD (a-19) ecosmart LeD Bright White ge energy smart CFL (a-21) Philips ecoVantage halogen, Power rating: 7.5w (a-19) Power rating: 20w soft white (a-19) : 3000 K Power rating: 13w Color temperature: 2700 K Power rating: 72w output: 450 lumens Color temperature: 3000 K output: 1100 lumens Color temperature: 2900 K expected life span: 25,000 output: 800 lumens expected life span: 8000 hours output: 1490 lumens hours expected life span: 25,000 Price: $6.49 each expected life span: 1000 hours hours Price: $9.98 *annual energy cost: $2.46 Price: $1.49 each Price: $23.97 each 1 *annual energy cost: 90¢ In use: A-21 size is ⁄4 in. wider *annual energy cost: $8.67 In use: Whiter light than the *annual energy cost: $1.57 than A-19 bulbs and about In use: Similar color to stan- GE incandescent, but less In use: Whiter light than incan- 1 in. longer; bulb gets almost dard Philips incandescent, omnidirectional than it and the descent, as 3000 K should be; as hot as an incandescent; which makes me doubt the EcoSmart CFL; dimmable. dimmable. This is my favorite color is pleasing at start-up 2900 K rating; dimmable. LED for omnidirectional light but changes to a pinkish cast output. after about 30 seconds; not *At 11¢ per kwh dimmable. Individual bulb testing to stay on the playing field. With billions surrounding the filament allows it to burn They are, however, susceptible to early of screw-in bulbs sold in the United States brighter and longer than the tungsten fila- failure when the electrical current surges alone, the stakes were too high to sit on the ment in a standard incandescent bulb. above 120v frequently, but this is true for all bench. Complying with the new rules Unlike fluorescents, halogens incandescent bulbs rated for 120v. Electri- was an easy transition because contain no mercury, so you cians here in Austin routinely supply bulbs the answer was a longer-life Lightbulb lingo can throw broken and rated for 130v to prevent this type of failure. bulb that they’d had on the Listed in lumens per watt, spent bulbs into the reg- The light emitted by these bulbs is famil- market for decades: the efficacy is the efficiency of ular trash. They are iarly incandescent, with soft, even diffusion. a lightbulb. It’s a measure of how quartz halogen. much light is produced from the elec- fully dimmable, but Brightness is also good despite the lumen rat- By encasing a quartz- tricity going to a bulb; higher is bet- they burn very hotly. ings being somewhat less than those of tradi- halogen light capsule ter. For example, a standard 75w incan- Expect to feel the tional incandescents. They cost about twice descent bulb producing 1100 lumens inside an ordinary glass of light has an efficacy of about 15 warmth when sitting as much as the older incandescents, but they shell and then adding lumens per watt. By contrast, a 22w near one. should last longer and pay for themselves in a screw base to it, they CFL with the same light output has Negative reviews energy savings. an efficacy of 55 lumens per were able to create a more watt—almost four times about these new incan- efficient bulb that looks and as great. descents are mostly about Compact fluorescents feels like a regular incandes- early burnouts, especially if A CFL bulb produces light in the same way cent, producing the soft-white light the bulbs are subjected to vibra- as its linear forefather: Phosphorous coatings that people love. As with all incandescents, tions or are bumped while in use. How- inside the tube glow brightly when electricity light is emitted when the tungsten filament ever, when given my rudimentary bump test, runs through the bulb. The only difference inside the capsule heats up and glows. The the halogen bulbs I tested were on par with is that a CFL folds or twists the thin glass difference with these bulbs is that halogen gas ordinary incandescents. tube tightly to save space without sacrificing

48 FINE HOMEBUILDING COPYRIGHT 2013 by The Taunton Press, Inc. Copying and distribution of this article is not permitted. ottLite natural Daylight CFL ge energy smart dimmable Verbatim LeD Par-30 sylvania Ultra LeD Par-30 Power rating: 25w CFL r-30 Power rating: 14w Power rating: 15w Color temperature: 5850 K Power rating: 15w Color temperature: 2700 K Color temperature: 3000 K output: 1500 lumens Color temperature: 2700 K output: 740 lumens output: 770 lumens expected life span: 10,000 hours output: 720 lumens expected life span: 25,000 hours expected life span: 50,000 hours Price: $6.14 each expected life span: 6000 hours Price: $34.99 Price: $42.98 *annual energy cost: $3.01 Price: $12.98 *annual energy cost: $1.68 *annual energy cost: $1.81 In use: Very bright, cool white light *annual energy cost: $1.81 In use: Smooth dimming and good In use: Very slight delay on start-up, to simulate the full color spectrum In use: Color similar to incandescent warm-white color; no color change as with the other LEDs; smooth dim- of actual daylight; good choice for that holds steady through dimming; at all through the full dimming ming all the way down; tiny buzz in artists needing accurate color ren- no buzz; dims smoothly but only to range, as expected from an LED; a quiet room but not as loud as the dering and for folks in cloudy, north- about 50% brightness; rated at 90 made a slight buzz when dimmed Verbatim. When my vaulted-ceiling ern regions with limited daylight; lumens greater output than the Phil- and with the room quiet; the buzz CFL floods give out, I will replace not dimmable. Although listed as ips CFL, but not noticeably brighter was also present when I put this them with these. I love the perfect equivalent to a 75w bulb, this bulb’s to my eye. bulb on a regular light switch, so I dimming and the sharp brightness lumen output is actually closer to know it wasn’t the dimmer’s fault. of the 3000-K light. that of a 100w bulb. the tube length necessary to maximize the their high efficacy and low cost. Yes, some heard the complaints. As recommended, light output. have burned out early. Yes, I’ve had to I did an initial two-hour “burn in” at full First-generation CFLs had several short- return some for poor color quality. Until the brightness before dimming them. They all comings. They were expensive, slow to come cost of LEDs comes down substan- performed well, with good color to full brightness, and quite heavy when tially, though, I will continue and smooth, gradual dimming equipped with magnetic ballasts. In addi- to use them. I shave by their Lightbulb lingo without flickering. How- tion, they weren’t dimmable, their bulkiness light every morning, and The common lightbulb is ever, it may have been limited their use around the house, and their I love having the R-30 known in the industry as an A-19 a coincidence that my color was considered too harsh. floods in the recessed lamp. The A signifies the familiar Lutron Diva dimmer shape of a general-service bulb, and the Today’s CFLs deliver faster starting, no cans of my high ceil- 19 signifies the bulb diameter in eighths and house wiring were flickering, reduced weight, and dimming ings, where access to of an inch. An A-19 has a diameter of compatible with the 3 capabilities. Most CFLs render colors much the bulbs is a challenge. 2 ⁄8 in. at its widest point. Other bulb bulbs; other compatible more accurately than fluorescents did years They give a pleasant, shapes have different designations, such as R (reflector), G (globe), and replacement dimmers ago, which is attributable primarily to better diffuse light with less T (tube). A T-8 fluorescent tube is are also on the market. phosphorous coatings inside the glass. Plus, heat, saving work by my 1 in. dia., and an R-30 flood Despite their big energy 3 improved production methods have lowered air conditioner for seven measures 3 ⁄4 in. dia. savings, fluorescent light- costs dramatically and have enabled smaller months a year. I’m used to bulbs face two big obstacles to bulbs to fit a wider variety of light fixtures. the slow start as they warm up, a maintaining market share against Before LEDs came on the scene, CFLs trait that is more exaggerated with floods the onslaught of LEDs. The first, color, is were the best option available for energy- than with other CFL bulb shapes. an old thorn. The cool-white light of some saving lightbulbs. I’ve had many of them I don’t normally have CFLs on dimmers, fluorescents felt harsh to many homeown- in my home and studio for years because of but I tested three for this article because I’ve ers, and even though color-corrected CFLs www.finehomebuilding.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 49 COPYRIGHT 2013 by The Taunton Press, Inc. Copying and distribution of this article is not permitted. equivalent actual output Price annual annual expected savings approximate Model; color temperature Color by Kelvin wattage wattage in lumens per bulb energy cost1 savings2 life span3 over life span payback Color temperature is part of the data 40w GE soft white standard incandescent (A-19); 2700 K 490 40¢ $4.82 N/A 11 mos N/A N/A required by the Federal Trade Com- 7.5w Utilitech Pro LED (A-19); 3000 K 450 $9.98 90¢ $3.92 23 yrs, 1 mo $90.74 2 yrs, 7 mos mission to be on packaging to help consumers know whether a bulb’s light 40w 29w Philips EcoVantage halogen incandescent (A-19); 2810 K 405 $1.50 $3.49 $1.33 11 mos $1.23 1 yr, 2 mos output will appear “warm” (a yellow- 9w EcoSmart CFL (A-19) soft white; 2700 K 450 $4.38 $1.08 $3.74 7 yrs, 5 mos $27.70 1 yr, 2 mos ish glow), “cool” (a white or blueish- white cast), or somewhere in between. 8w Philips Ambient LED (A-19); 2700 K 470 $21.97 96¢ $3.86 23 yrs, 1 mo $89.35 5 yrs, 8 mos Because these terms are subjective, a 60w Philips soft white standard incandescent (A-19); 2700 K 860 38¢ $7.23 N/A 11 mos N/A N/A numerical rating measured in degrees 60w 13w EcoSmart LED Bright White (A-19); 3000 K 800 $23.97 $1.57 $5.66 23 yrs, 1 mo $131.02 4 yrs, 3 mos Kelvin (K) is used for accuracy. The bulbs listed in our chart are color- 15w GE Reveal CFL (A-19); 2500 K 740 $6.99 $1.85 $5.38 7 yrs, 4 mos $39.85 1 yr, 4 mos coded based on color temperature dif- 75w Philips soft white standard incandescent (A-19); 2700 K 1180 38¢ $9.03 N/A 8 mos N/A N/A ferences, which are detailed below. Standard 75w 14w Sylvania Ultra LED (A-19); 2700 K 1100 $39.98 $1.69 $7.34 23 yrs, 1 mo $169.91 5 yrs, 5 mos The yellow-orange glow of a 20w GE Energy Smart CFL (A-21); 2700 K 1100 $6.49 $2.46 $6.57 6 yrs, 6 mos $42.58 1 yr burning measures about 100w Philips soft white standard incandescent (A-19); 2700 K 1620 66¢ $12.04 N/A 8 mos N/A N/A 1800 K. 72w Philips EcoVantage halogen, soft white (A-19); 2900 K 1490 $1.49 $8.67 $3.37 11 mos $3.12 5 mos A temperature of 2700 K 100w 72w Philips EcoVantage halogen, natural white (A-19); 3070 K 1200 $1.75 $8.67 $3.37 1 yr, 2 mos $3.90 6 mos denotes a warm color such as that produced by incandescents. 26w GE Reveal spiral CFL; 2500 K 1570 $5.98 $3.13 $8.91 7 yrs, 5 mos $66 8 mos Temperatures of 3000 K to 25w OttLite Natural Daylight CFL; 5850 K 1500 $6.14 $3.01 $9.03 9 yrs, 3 mos $83.61 8 mos 3500 K produce a bright white 50w Philips 50w halogen (PAR-30); 2800 K 600 $8.57 $6.02 N/A 2 yrs, 9 mos N/A N/A without the yellowish tint. 50w 14w Verbatim LED (PAR-30); 2700 K 740 $34.99 $1.68 $4.34 23 yrs, 1 mo $100.46 8 yrs, 1 mo Those “cool white” fluorescents 15w Sylvania Ultra LED (PAR-30); 3000 K 770 $42.98 $1.81 $4.21 46 yrs, 4 mos $194.91 10 yrs, 3 mos you may have in your garage are probably in the 4100-K to 65w Philips 65w Duramax flood light (BR-30); 2700 K 595 $4.09 $7.83 N/A 2 yrs, 4 mos N/A N/A 4500-K range. 50w Sylvania halogen SuperSaver (BR-30); 2800 K 585 $7.98 $6.02 $1.81 2 yrs, 4 mos $4.19 4 yrs, 5 mos

Noon measures Flood 65w 16w TCP TruDim dimmable CFL (R-30); 3500 K 600 $19.99 $1.93 $5.90 1 yr, 10 mos $10.93 3 yrs, 5 mos 5600 K, so bulbs marketed as 16w Philips Energy Saver soft white dimmable CFL (BR-30); 2700 K 630 $11.99 $1.93 $5.90 7 yrs, 5 mos $43.70 2 yrs, 3 mos “daylight” are usually in the 15w $12.98 $1.81 $6.02 5 yrs, 7 mos $33.44 2 yrs, 2 mos 5000-K to 6000-K range. GE Energy Smart dimmable CFL (R-30); 2700 K 720 75w Philips Halogena 75w short-neck flood (PAR-30); 2800 K 1050 $7.97 $9.03 N/A 2 yrs, 9 mos N/A N/A 75w 13.5w Utilitech Pro LED (PAR-30); 3000 K 650 $34.98 $1.63 $7.40 23 yrs, 1 mo $171.30 4 yrs, 8 mos have been around a long time, not everyone diodes have been used for many years as col- LEDs is one way of producing white light, knows about them. In fact, some of my cli- ored lights in electronic displays, indicator but the bulbs found in stores mostly combine ents are convinced that fluorescent light is lights, traffic signals, flat-screen TVs, and phosphorous coatings with blue LEDs to suitable for their garages but not their homes. other places. Also known as solid- make the soft white light we crave. The second hurdle is fairly new: the mer- state lighting, LEDs produce Achieving omnidirectional cury scare. As they always have, fluorescents light when electricity passes Lightbulb lingo light diffusion from an contain tiny amounts of mercury, a toxic through semiconduc- To measure a bulb’s ability to LED bulb was also a heavy metal. A broken fluorescent bulb can tors, a process called reproduce colors as they would challenge, because appear under natural light, the indus- leach its mercury into a landfill or vaporize . try uses a color-rendering index (CRI) individual solid-state it into your home’s airstream. Hazmat teams Different frequencies that is based on a scale of 1 to 100, with diodes emit light in are not required if you break a fluorescent produce different col- 100 assigned to the way colors appear only one direction. in your home, and cleanup instructions are ors of light. under incandescent lighting. Halogens Manufacturers have have a 100 CRI by default, but when found easily on the internet. When your Key to solid-state you can (it’s not always listed on the met the challenge CFLs burn out, check your trash collector’s lighting finding its way package), look for a CRI of 80 or with configurations of policy on household hazardous-waste collec- inside our homes has higher when shopping for diodes and diffusers that fluorescent and LED tions, or visit Earth911.com to find retailers been the development of bulbs. resemble the shape of a with recycling programs near you. white LEDs that emit warmer standard lightbulb. Still, some tones. Inexpensive white versions LEDs look odd, and their futur- LeDs are pricey, but promising emit a cool bluish cast—perhaps acceptable istic appearances take some getting used to. Although they are a new form of energy- for an outdoor landscape light, but not for a Heat dissipation is critical to proper opera- saving lighting for our homes, light-emitting reading lamp. Mixing red, green, and blue tion of an LED bulb. Most have extra sur-

50 FINE HOMEBUILDING COPYRIGHT 2013 by The Taunton Press, Inc. Copying and distribution of this article is not permitted. equivalent actual output Price annual annual expected savings approximate Model; color temperature wattage wattage in lumens per bulb energy cost1 savings2 life span3 over life span payback Paul’s picks 40w GE soft white standard incandescent (A-19); 2700 K 490 40¢ $4.82 N/A 11 mos N/A N/A Philips ecoVantage 7.5w Utilitech Pro LED (A-19); 3000 K 450 $9.98 90¢ $3.92 23 yrs, 1 mo $90.74 2 yrs, 7 mos halogen incandescent 40w 29w Philips EcoVantage halogen incandescent (A-19); 2810 K 405 $1.50 $3.49 $1.33 11 mos $1.23 1 yr, 2 mos Power rating: 29w 9w EcoSmart CFL (A-19) soft white; 2700 K 450 $4.38 $1.08 $3.74 7 yrs, 5 mos $27.70 1 yr, 2 mos Color temperature: 2810 K output: 405 lumens 8w Philips Ambient LED (A-19); 2700 K 470 $21.97 96¢ $3.86 23 yrs, 1 mo $89.35 5 yrs, 8 mos expected life span: 1000 60w Philips soft white standard incandescent (A-19); 2700 K 860 38¢ $7.23 N/A 11 mos N/A N/A hours Price: $1.50 each 60w 13w EcoSmart LED Bright White (A-19); 3000 K 800 $23.97 $1.57 $5.66 23 yrs, 1 mo $131.02 4 yrs, 3 mos *annual energy cost: $3.49 15w GE Reveal CFL (A-19); 2500 K 740 $6.99 $1.85 $5.38 7 yrs, 4 mos $39.85 1 yr, 4 mos In use: Very similar light color to regular incandes- 75w Philips soft white standard incandescent (A-19); 2700 K 1180 38¢ $9.03 N/A 8 mos N/A N/A cent; dimmable. This is my Standard 75w 14w Sylvania Ultra LED (A-19); 2700 K 1100 $39.98 $1.69 $7.34 23 yrs, 1 mo $169.91 5 yrs, 5 mos favorite energy-saving bulb for vanity lighting. My wife 20w GE Energy Smart CFL (A-21); 2700 K 1100 $6.49 $2.46 $6.57 6 yrs, 6 mos $42.58 1 yr has no idea that I swapped out her beloved 40w 100w Philips soft white standard incandescent (A-19); 2700 K 1620 66¢ $12.04 N/A 8 mos N/A N/A “grocery-store lightbulbs” 72w Philips EcoVantage halogen, soft white (A-19); 2900 K 1490 $1.49 $8.67 $3.37 11 mos $3.12 5 mos for these bulbs. 100w 72w Philips EcoVantage halogen, natural white (A-19); 3070 K 1200 $1.75 $8.67 $3.37 1 yr, 2 mos $3.90 6 mos 26w GE Reveal spiral CFL; 2500 K 1570 $5.98 $3.13 $8.91 7 yrs, 5 mos $66 8 mos 25w OttLite Natural Daylight CFL; 5850 K 1500 $6.14 $3.01 $9.03 9 yrs, 3 mos $83.61 8 mos Philips ambient LeD 50w Philips 50w halogen (PAR-30); 2800 K 600 $8.57 $6.02 N/A 2 yrs, 9 mos N/A N/A Power rating: 8w 50w 14w $34.99 $1.68 $4.34 23 yrs, 1 mo $100.46 8 yrs, 1 mo Verbatim LED (PAR-30); 2700 K 740 Color temperature: 2700 K 15w Sylvania Ultra LED (PAR-30); 3000 K 770 $42.98 $1.81 $4.21 46 yrs, 4 mos $194.91 10 yrs, 3 mos output: 470 lumens expected life span: 25,000 65w Philips 65w Duramax flood light (BR-30); 2700 K 595 $4.09 $7.83 N/A 2 yrs, 4 mos N/A N/A hours 50w Sylvania halogen SuperSaver (BR-30); 2800 K 585 $7.98 $6.02 $1.81 2 yrs, 4 mos $4.19 4 yrs, 5 mos Price: $21.97 each *annual energy cost: 96¢ Flood 65w 16w TCP TruDim dimmable CFL (R-30); 3500 K 600 $19.99 $1.93 $5.90 1 yr, 10 mos $10.93 3 yrs, 5 mos In use: Beautiful yellow 16w Philips Energy Saver soft white dimmable CFL (BR-30); 2700 K 630 $11.99 $1.93 $5.90 7 yrs, 5 mos $43.70 2 yrs, 3 mos light, even slightly warmer than the GE 40w incan- 15w GE Energy Smart dimmable CFL (R-30); 2700 K 720 $12.98 $1.81 $6.02 5 yrs, 7 mos $33.44 2 yrs, 2 mos descent; seeing yellow 75w Philips Halogena 75w short-neck flood (PAR-30); 2800 K 1050 $7.97 $9.03 N/A 2 yrs, 9 mos N/A N/A in the off mode may 75w turn away some buyers; 13.5w Utilitech Pro LED (PAR-30); 3000 K 650 $34.98 $1.63 $7.40 23 yrs, 1 mo $171.30 4 yrs, 8 mos dimmable. If you like that campfire-cozy feeling in the 1At 11¢ per kwh 2Annual savings based on comparison with first bulb in each voltage category 3At 3 hours’ use per day evenings, this is a winner. face areas, usually arrays of fins, which act Although prices are expected to drop sig- like radiators to conduct heat away from the nificantly in the next two years, the biggest temperature-sensitive circuitry. Some newer barrier for LEDs is their price. LEDs are models incorporate minuscule fans and expensive to make and are priced accordingly. diaphragms to circulate air. Switch, a Cali- Depending on the type and brand, expect to ge reveal spiral CFL fornia manufacturer, designed a liquid-filled pay $10 to $50 for a single bulb. When a bulb Power rating: 26w dome into its bulb to keep the diodes cool. costs that much, it better be outstanding in Color temperature: 2500 K Because excess heat will kill LEDs, they every way: bright and with impeccable color, output: 1570 lumens should not be used in enclosed light fixtures. perfect dimming, and an amazingly long life. expected life span: 8000 Some makers say that their bulbs should Because LEDs are a young technology, they hours Price: $5.98 each not be used in airtight, insulation-contact won’t all perform this well. There will be *annual energy cost: $3.13 recessed cans, either. some duds in every batch, and some manu- In use: Not as bright as the Under today’s laws, LEDs are not classified facturers will cut corners to keep down costs. Philips 100w incandescent, as hazardous waste and can be disposed of If you get a clunker that dies early, buzzes, but the warmest color I tested, hence the 2500 K in typical landfills. However, a 2011 study by or dims poorly, exchange it or return it for a listing; warmer than the the University of California, Irvine, recorded refund. Warranty periods vary from three to incandescent but not bet- small amounts of contaminating metals such five years and are stated on the packaging. □ ter color, as there is still an ever-so-slight pink cast; as lead, nickel, arsenic, and copper leaching not dimmable. Lumens and from the pulverized residue of LEDs from Paul DeGroot is an architect in Austin, color rival old 100w bulbs, traffic signals, car brake lights and head- Texas. Photos by Rodney Diaz, except but without all that heat. lights, and Christmas- lights. where noted.

www.finehomebuilding.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 51 COPYRIGHT 2013 by The Taunton Press, Inc. Copying and distribution of this article is not permitted.