Which Light Bulb Should I Buy?

Are you confused about the new types of light bulbs in stores now?  What used to be a relatively simple decision process is now daunting, because of the confusing array of choices.  If you follow these simple tips, you will find a bulb for your apartment home that is right for you:

• Use lumens, not watts – Lumens measure the brightness of the bulb, a far better indicator than wattage.  Wattage measures how much electricity the bulb uses - most of which is lost to heat.  So when replacing a standard 60-watt incandescent bulb in your apartment, look for an energy-efficient bulb that gives off the same amount of light, about 800 lumens. 
• Find the “right” color – LED and CFL bulbs come in different colors.  “Soft White” or “Warm White” are similar to the color of a traditional incandescent bulb, whereas “Daylight” is a more blue-white colored light.  Take your pick, but you may want to test one in your apartment before you buy in bulk.
• Think cost, not price – The purchase price is not the only thing to consider when buying a bulb.   CFLs and LEDs use five times less electricity and last 10-20 times longer.  They quickly pay for themselves and are less hassle over time. 

CFL and LED bulb prices have come down dramatically, and the quality is much better than before.  They now come in all shapes and sizes and are available in three-way and dimmable versions too.  The highest quality bulbs have the ENERGY STAR rating.

I hope we were able to “shine some light” on this topic for you!  If you have questions about CFL and LED bulbs, check out this great FAQ document for additional information.