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Which Kind of Light Bulbs to Use?

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Table of Contents



High Pressure Sodium Bulbs:

  • High Pressure Sodium Bulbs have a 15,000 hour average life, suitable for hard to reach areas.
  • Up to 85% less energy use than incandescent: low operating costs, high upfront costs on High Pressure Sodium light bulbs.
  • HPS Lamps give off golden / white light - don't use near entryways.


Compact Fluorescent (CFL):

    Four Different Types Of Light Bulbs For Many Uses
  • CFL bulbs have 10,000 hour average life, use in easy to reach areas.
  • Up to 75% less energy use than incandescent: Compact Fluorescent bulbs have low operating costs, high upfront costs.
  • CFLs give off cool or warm white light.


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Quartz Halogen:

  • Halogen Bulbs have 1,500 hour average life, use in very easy to reach areas.
  • Up to 15% less energy use than incandescent: Halogen light bulbs have high operating costs, low upfront costs.
  • Halogen lamps give off warm light - good for entryways.

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Incandescent:

  • Incandescent light bulbs have 1,000 hour average life, use in very easy to reach areas. These light bulbs can be used with Lutron dimming controls to increase efficiency.
  • Incandescent light bulbs have high operating costs and low upfront costs.
  • Incandescent bulbs give off warm white light.


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Light Emitting Diodes (LED):

  • LED Light Bulbs have up to 50,000 hour average life, use in very easy to reach areas.
  • Low energy use: LED bulbs have very low energy consumption and high upfront costs.
  • LED Light Bulbs give of a variety of different light colors from cool to warm

According to ENERGY STAR, lighting accounts for 12 percent of home energy costs. If you’re using inefficient light bulbs, this can really add up. Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs can decrease your energy use and reduce your energy costs. See how incandescent bulbs stack up against LED bulbs in the infographic below.

Light Bulb Energy Cost Comparison Chart For Incandescent VS LED

LED bulbs produce less heat, consume less energy, and last substantially longer than incandescent bulbs. Replacing your incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs can significantly reduce your home energy costs. Now that you know the benefits of switching to LED bulbs.

Are you ready to exchange your incandescent bulb for a new LED bulb?



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Westinghouse Wants You to Recycle Your Old Light Bulbs

Recycling used to mean only one thing to most of us: tin cans. And maybe the occasional cardboard box. But that is so 2012. Today, H&M offers a coupon for a bag of your old clothes, the military will recycle your unwanted cell phones, and Apple will gladly take that retired MacBook off your hands. Environmentally conscious consumers are composting food scraps and reusing milk jugs, and words like repurpose and upcycle have entered the mainstream. Many people are even recycling ceiling fan light bulbs.



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Reasons to Recycle Your Old Light Bulbs

Westinghouse RecyclePak



Energy-efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain a trace amount of mercury, an essential component in attaining energy savings, and while these light bulbs help consumers and businesses reduce their energy use and energy costs, it's important that any product containing mercury is properly handled in order to protect public health and the environment. It is estimated businesses recycle 30 percent of the used light bulbs annually, and this number is only set to increase as more switch to energy-efficient lighting. Consumer are also embracing this practice with Westinghouse Light Bulb Recycling Program. You can now recycle the light bulbs from your Westinghouse fans as well as any other household light bulbs.

Westinghouse has partnered with Veolia Environmental Services, the largest U.S. ballast and lamp recycler, for the Westinghouse  Light Bulb Recycling Program. Veolia’s RECYCLEPAK program makes recycling your lamps and ballast a quick and easy process. The program, designed by environmental and safety experts, allows small to mid-sized companies to comply with federal, state, and local disposal regulations. RECYCLEPAK pails and boxes are tested by the United Nations and approved by the Department of Transportation, and are available in a variety of sizes to fit your needs.



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Recycle Your Old Light Bulbs in 5 Easy Steps

  1. Order a RECYCLEPAK from Westinghouse.
  2. Fill the RECYCLEPAK with discarded ballast, high intensity discharge, linear fluorescent, and compact fluorescent bulbs.
  3. Once the container is filled, seal the kit according to the packaging instructions.
  4. Fill out and attach the pre-paid shipping label and call FedEx Ground at 1-888-777-6040 to schedule a pickup.
  5. Receive a recycling certificate from Veoila confirming acceptance of RECYCLEPAK container. Keep the certificate for your records.

With programs like this, which make light bulb recycling so simple, we might just be celebrating Earth Day all year long. How do you celebrate Earth Day in your home, business or community?



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8 LED Bulbs Leading the Way to a Bright Future

Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is advancing rapidly, leaving other energy-efficient lighting technology in the dust. Future LED bulbs will cost less, consume less energy, last longer, and do much more than illuminate your home. The LEDs of the future will be able to create lights in multiple colors, stream music, and communicate alerts and data. You do not have to wait much longer to experience this technology, here are eight LED bulbs lighting the way to a brighter, healthier and more convenient future.

Philips Slim Style LED Light Bulb Information

1. Philips SlimStyle LED Bulb

The SlimStyle bulb by Philips Lighting makes transitioning from incandescent lighting to LED lighting easy and affordable. The SlimStyle LED bulb is a modern, energy-efficient alternative to any 60-watt incandescent light bulb and costs about $10 per bulb. The slim light bulb features a flat A19 design with LED lights arranged in a unique horseshoe shape for even illumination. A durable rubber coating protects the bulb from shattering. The bulb turns on instantly and emits 360 degrees of soft white light similar to that of an incandescent light bulb. The bulb can also be used with most light dimmers to create mood lighting. The SlimStyle bulb lasts about 22.8 years and saves up to $136 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. This LED bulb is suitable for lamps, pendants, and wall-mounted light fixtures.

Mipow LED Playbulb Information

2. MiPow LED Playbulb

The MiPow PlayBulb allows users to easily adjust the lighting and play music in a room from their mobile devices. The A-Type LED light bulb has 80 LED lights that emit cool and warm shades of white light equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent light bulb. A built-in Bluetooth 4.0 speaker allows users within 30 feet to stream music directly to the PlayBulb. A dedicated smartphone app controls the light brightness and music. The app also includes four advanced settings - wake up, energy saving, night mode, and sleep mode for added convenience. The wireless, versatile device saves space and is ideal for dorm rooms, home offices and other small spaces. The MiPow PlayBulb is available for purchase for $79.

Smart Charge LED Light Bulb Information

3. SmartCharge LED Bulb

The SmartCharge Bulb provides security and peace of mind during a power outage. The 5-watt LED bulb includes a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides four hours of continual illumination during a power failure. The LED bulb does not require additional wiring, controls or electrical installation; it simply screws into any existing light socket. The Grid & Switch sensor technology detects when power is lost due to a grid failure and engages the battery power based on light switch's position. If the switch is on during the power failure, the light bulb will remain on. If the switch is off, the light bulb will remain off and will not consume any reservoir power. The batteries must be replaced every three to four years. The LED bulb provides illumination equivalent to a 25-watt incandescent light bulb and lasts up to 25,000 hours. The SmartCharge Bulbs are expected to start shipping in April 2014 at $35 for 1 bulb, $55 for 2 bulbs and $100 for 4 bulbs.

Smart Lumen LED Light Bulb Information

4. Lumen LED Smart Bulb

The Lümen Smart Bulb by Tabü combines the warm white illumination of a standard light bulb, the playfulness of multi-color lights, and the energy savings of LED lighting into a single package that is easily controlled by a smartphone application. The Lümen Smart Bulb fits into any existing light socket and is suitable for replacing a 40-watt incandescent bulb. The light bulb is fully dimmable and the RGBW Control allows users to customize lighting colors to match their atmosphere and mood. The Lümen app includes a number of pre-set features such as proximity detection, incoming call notification, music synchronization, and allows users to control up to ten bulbs at a time. The Smart Bulb by Lümen is available for purchase for $69.99.

Lighting Science Awake And Alert Light Bulb Information

5. Lighting Science Awake & Alert LED Bulb

The Awake & Alert LED bulb by Lighting Science helps users start the day alert and refreshed, and remain focused throughout the day. The blue-enriched reflector LED light bulb, winner of Architectural SSL Magazines's Product Innovation Award, promotes focus and increases energy without harmful stimulants. The Awake & Alert LED bulb requires no special tools or applications, and fits any standard bulb socket. This LED bulb is ideal for replacing a traditional 65-watt incandescent bulb. The bulb is also Energy Star approved, UL listed for damp environments and fully recyclable. The shatterproof bulbs last up to 16 times longer than traditional bulbs, and comes with a 5-year limited warranty. The Lighting Science Awake & Alert LED bulb is available for purchase for $69.99.

Lighting Science Good Night Light Bulb Information

6. Lighting Science Good Night LED Bulb

The Lighting Science Good Night LED bulb helps users fall asleep naturally without addicting sleep aids. The LED bulb,  originally created for NASA astronauts on the International Space Station, filters blue light that disrupts circadian rhythms and prevents the creation of melatonin, a hormone that helps you fall asleep. The Good Night light bulb is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent light bulb and is perfect for illuminating homes, dorms, hotels, hospitals or anywhere where else you want to sleep. The light bulb is dimmable to five percent on most light dimmers and is UL listed for damp environments. The eco-friendly light bulb uses 80 percent less energy than standard light bulbs and lasts up to 50 times longer than traditional light bulbs. The Good Night LED light bulb comes with a 5-year limited warranty and is available for purchase for $69.99.

Nokero Solar Powered LED Light Bulb Information

7. Nokero Solar-Powered LED Bulbs

Nokero, short for "no kerosene",  manufactures solar powered LEDs that provide illumination in remote, off-grid locations all over the world. The rainproof, portable LED lamps have state-of-the-art solar panels that harness the sun's rays to charge the provided batteries for about four hours of continual illumination. The rechargeable batteries last about two years (about 300 - 500 charges) and are fully recyclable. The eco-friendly lamps are a healthy and safe alternative to kerosene lamps, and are suitable for illuminating your patio, garden or walkway. The integrated hanging clips make them perfect for camping and fishing. Nokero offers five LED light bulbs options ranging from $6 to $22.

Light Fidelity Is A Visible Light Communication System

8. Li-Fi

Light Fidelity (or Li-Fi) is not a type of LED bulb, but a rather a visible light communication (VLC) system that uses visible white light-emitting diodes to transmit high-speed data. In layman's term, it transforms your LED bulb into a speedy Wi-Fi router. The groundbreaking technology is the work of Professor Harald Haas of the University of Edinburgh in the UK, and is being adopted for commercial use by pureLiFi. Li-Fi is able to transmit data up to 250 times faster than broadband by switching a LED bulb on and off within nanoseconds, undetected by the human eye, and is expected to cost ten times less than Wi-Fi due to low installation and maintenance costs. Li-Fi is also more secure than Wi-Fi because light waves cannot penetrate walls. While LED bulbs must remain on to transmit data, they can be dimmed until they are no longer visible to the human eye while still functioning. The technology does not require cables and therefore does not cause electromagnetic interference (i.e. the loud static sound you hear when you place a cell phone near a computer speaker), which is ideal for hospital and aircraft settings.

In the next few years, LED light bulbs will be as ubiquitous and as programmable as your DVR. Lighting manufacturers are developing LED lights that will help cardiac patients recover in healing environments, improve the attention span, concentration and behavior of students in schools and academic settings, and create sustainable year-round farms in urban cities. Future LEDs will be able to further conserve energy by sensing the number of occupants in a room and then directing lighting to their location. Which features would you like to see in future LED bulbs?

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Incandescent Light Bulbs: The Controversy

As children, many of us were afraid to sleep in what seemed like then our pitch-black bedrooms, and we begged our parents to leave the bathroom or hallway light on. If you were lucky, they agreed after many outbursts. If you were truly lucky, you had a night light or a portable lamp on a bedside table.

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What Led to the Ban on Incandescent Light Bulbs

Points Out The Reasons Incandescent Light Bulbs Are Banned

As it is often the case, the truth is less dramatic than the hype. The legislation that has everybody all worked up over incandescent light bulbs actually passed back in 2007, and is known as the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007. The entire energy act is 822 pages long, and encompasses everything from building regulations to fuel standards, but the section that has generated the most speculation is the one on the simple household light bulb.

So what does the government have against these harmless looking incandescent light bulbs, anyway? It turns out, they are the household equivalent of a gas-guzzling SUV; they require energy to run, and lots of it. Light bulbs that are used in chandelier lights are the incandescent bulbs they are talking about. The scientists at Michigan State University explain the process this way: “Incandescent bulbs use heat caused by an electrical current. When electrical current passes through a wire, it causes the wire to heat. The wire, or filament, gets so hot that it glows and gives off light.” All to power a single light bulb.

Fortunately, unlike what many reputable news sources would lead us to believe, the act doesn’t ban incandescent light bulbs entirely; it merely tightens the standards for energy efficiency and phases out the traditional, less-efficient bulbs. The legislation, even the light bulb portion, is lengthy and full of legalese, but the EPA sums it up this way. The law:

  • Does not ban the use or purchase of incandescent bulbs
  • Does not ban the sale or manufacture of ALL incandescent bulbs, just those common household incandescent (and other) bulbs that are not energy-efficient
  • Does not require the use of compact fluorescent bulbs
  • Requires about 25 percent greater efficiency (that is, less energy use) for household light bulbs that have traditionally used between 40 and 100 watts of electricity
  • Exempts many bulbs, including specialty bulbs, three-way bulbs, chandelier bulbs, refrigerator bulbs, plant grow lights and others

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How the Light Bulb Ban Affects You and Your Home

You don’t have to scour your home and toss out any offending incandescent bulbs. After all, even the government is giving itself years to phase them out. The process, which actually began in 2008, requires that light bulbs be made more efficient in a series of phases from 2012-2014. The goal: Newer, more energy-saving light bulbs which will still emit the same amount of light. (For example, the newer more energy-efficient bulbs use only 72 watts to generate the same amount of light as a traditional 100 watt light bulb.)

Of course, when you compare light bulbs, other energy-efficient options already exist, including CFL and LED light bulbs . LED lights work differently than incandescent light bulbs, because an LED is a semiconductor diode that glows when voltage is applied. They don’t require heat to create light, and therefore use far less energy. Plus, the light is more focused, safe, and longer-lasting.

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What is your favorite type of light bulb on our list or otherwise? Let us know in the comments below!

September 3, 2020