Tempted to stock up on those old, familiar 100-watt lightbulbs that are on their way out? That's right. They're being phased out, as are 60- and 75-watt bulbs, which will be off the market by 2014. Though you can probably still pick them up while supplies last, don't become a hoarder of old bulbs. They suck up lots of power and will cost you more in the long run.
In fact, lighting accounts for 10 cents of every dollar the typical household spends on energy. Our tests of 26 compact fluorescent bulbs and 10 LED bulbs show that they use a lot less electricity (at least 75 percent less) and last much longer than old-style incandescents (we're talking10 times longer for CFLs and decades for LEDs!). Plus you'll save about $3.50 to $4 per bulb a year by making the switch.
Here are our testers' recommendations; all are available at Home Depot. Also important, the color quality is similar to those old flattering incandescents.
Best for table and floor lamps: Ecosmart 60 watt soft white 423-599 ESSM8144, $1.25, and Phillips Ambient LED 12-5W 12 26A60W 409904, $25 (above). Yes, it's pricey, but the payback period is about 2 years, and the company claims the bulb will last over two decades when used 3 hours a day.
Best for recessed lights: Ecosmart LED Downlight 10.5W 65W E26 Eco-57SL Dimmable, $25
Best for outdoors: Ecosmart PAR38 ECS 38 Bright White 75W 866194 Dimmable LED, $33
Damie Simons
01:17:22 PM on Thu Feb 16 2012
I do like the new lightbulbs and use them all over my house. I also use the regular 60-75 watt lightbulbs during the winter out in my pump house to help keep the pump from freezing up. Lots of folks in S.C., N.C. and here in Northern Florida do this. So we do have some extra bulbs on hand now but one day there won't be any...what then?