Consumer Reports Spotlights Pros And Cons Of CFL, LED And Halogen Lightbulbs

CR Tests Find 100-Watt-Equivalent CFLs Might Not Be as Bright as Incandescents  

YONKERS, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports' latest lightbulb tests uncovered not only which bulbs were the best performers, but also shined some light on a few of the most common questions consumers have about compact fluorescent lights, light-emitting diode, halogens and incandescent bulbs. Tests revealed both pros and cons to all types of bulbs and found that while CFLs have improved, the 100-watt-equivalent CFLs might not be quite as bright over their life as the incandescents they replace.  However, some Energy Star-qualified 60-watt CFL equivalents are as bright as regular incandescents, use about 75 percent less energy and last seven to 10 times longer.

Ratings results and answers to additional commonly asked lightbulb questions can be found in the January issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

"CFLs and LEDs have dramatically improved in the last few years. They produce a warm, flattering light, last much, much longer than incandescent bulbs, and use about 75 percent less energy," said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor at Consumer Reports. "But each type has its plusses and minuses. Consumers should consult our Ratings and consider what bulb features are priorities, such as dimming, instant brightness and energy efficiency."

For the energy conscious consumer, CFLs still lead the pack in quick savings. Replacing just one incandescent bulb with a CFL can save around $50 off the utility bill over the bulb's lifetime, and LEDs can save more than twice that but their high initial cost makes it take much longer to happen. An Energy Star LED or CFL costs, on average, about $1 a year to power, whereas a halogen bulb costs around $3.50 and a traditional incandescent bulb costs almost $5, according to the Department of Energy. On the downside, while the prices of LEDs are dropping, the bulbs are expensive and many have a payback period of two years or longer.

Halogen bulbs use about 25 to 30 percent less energy than standard incandescents, but they cost more and many don't last much longer. Benefits of halogen bulbs include instantly produced light, fully dimmable functionality and more accurate color rendering. In comparison, LEDs also instantly brighten and aren't affected by frequent on/off cycles and cold temperatures, and many can be dimmed. However, not all lamp-type LEDs emit light evenly, so look at Consumer Reports' full Ratings and for the Energy Star logo before buying. CFLs still need time to fully brighten, and most aren't dimmable.

One of the concerns with LEDs is whether or not they contain toxins.  Semiconductor chips and electronic circuitry in LEDs can include lead, arsenic and gallium, but those substances aren't accessible, even if the bulb breaks. LEDs should be recycled with other electronic waste, while used CFLs, which contain a small amount of mercury, can be taken to Home Deport, Lowe's or Ikea for recycling.

Match the Bulb to the Fixture

Incorrect use of an energy-saving bulb can affect its performance and shorten its life. Consumer Reports recommends that consumers check the package for proper use and consider these tips to match bulbs to a fixture for best performance:

• Lamps and ceiling fixtures: Make sure the bulb can be used in a fully enclosed fixture if that's what you have. Consider covered CFLs to hide the spiral look if it's not aesthetically pleasing, but be aware that those bulbs take longer to fully brighten.

• Recessed or track lights: The interior color of the recessed can or track head affects how the light is distributed. Shiny metal and white interiors reflect light. Black absorbs some light, so consider a brighter bulb to compensate.

• Outdoors: The colder the temperature the longer it will take for CFLs to brighten up. LEDs aren't affected by the cold, so these might be a better option. Bulbs in the 2,700-to-3,000-kelvin range flatter warm-colored exteriors, while bulbs with 3,500 or more kelvins enhance grays and cool colors and can appear brighter.

The full Ratings report on 100-watt replacement CFLs and halogen bulbs will appear in next month's February issue of Consumer Reports and are online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications.  Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

JANUARY 2012

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SOURCE Consumer Reports