The Big Change in Lighting

The federally mandated changes in residential lighting are finally visible on the store shelf. There are fewer selections of incandescent lamps available, and more compact florescent (CFL) and halogen choices. The mandated changes may present some changes for the average homeowner.

Realistically, the incandescent bulb met many application needs, was inexpensive to buy, and used a standard amount of energy for light output. Newer lighting generally uses less energy to produce about the same amount of light. That is the first challenge homeowners will face; thinking about light in "lumens" rather than "watts."

Next, newer bulbs do not meet the same array of applications that incandescent bulbs did. Not all new technology can be used in base-up fixtures. Some new technology can not be used with all dimmer switches. And, newer technology may not provide the same service life that older lighting did.

One area that remains a problem for CFL lighting is service life. Some incandescent lamps in use by the author have been in service for over 10 years, and continue to provide adequate light output. Testing of CFLs in similar applications has been extremely disappointing, with service life less than one-fifth of expected. Some CFL lighting has lasted less than one year.

Additionally, the CFL lamps have tended to put off quite a stink when they expire. The odor does not dissipate quickly, and is very strong. CFL bulbs also contain material that should not simply be tossed in the curbside garbage bin. Instead, trips to the hazardous waste collection site are necessary. Halogen technology may be a reasonable alternative.

Halogen bulbs have typically given off more heat per watt than CFLs or incandescent lamps. As a result, newer halogen lamps are coming out that produce nearly the same lumens. For example, a 50-55 watt halogen may replace a 60 watt incandescent.

Still, the 50 cent incandescent bulb is very attractive when compared to the much pricier halogen, CFL, or LED alternatives. food for thought, and a suggestion to know what you are looking for when shopping for lighting in today's government-managed life.