One of the areas that keeps evolving is in the realm of lighting options. From torches to gas lanterns to the incandescent light bulb, society is ever reaching for the best possible lighting solution.
When CFLs hit the market, we thought we finally had it. But, in my opinion at least, we were wrong. There were so many issues with CFLs, from the danger of releasing toxins when they broke to the problem of safe disposal to the rather crappy lighting they provided.
That's why I was happy with the GE bulbs. I really like the energy savings that accompany LED bulbs, and I'm happy with the way they light a room. I tried some out a year ago and have continued to enjoy them.
Recently, GE contacted me to check out some more of their light bulbs and I happily complied. They sent me quite a few of their energy-efficient soft white 60w incandescent modified spectrum replacement bulbs (43w), which use 28% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. No, they're not as energy-efficient as CFLs, but like I said, I'm not a fan of CFLs and all their baggage. The estimated yearly energy cost for one of these GE bulbs is only $5.18 per year (based on 3 hrs/day and they'll last nearly a year. So they're cost effective and cast a warm light using less energy than the other bulbs.
Actually, I was pleasantly surprised when I received the incandescent bulbs, as I thought they were no longer allowed to make them.
In addition, I received a couple of GE LED soft white 60w replacement (10.5w) bulbs that are dimmable and are estimated to cost just $1.26/year and last 13.7 years. Of course, the duration is based on 3 hrs/day and barring any active ball-throwing children, mischievous cats, or klutzy adults in the home!These bulbs also have a warm glow to them, so they're a perfect light choice for any room.
But choosing light bulbs is not always easy, is it? As a matter of fact, as time passes, this is becoming quite the difficult task. I hope these infographics can help you sort through the "clutter" of the lighting aisle. After looking them over, don't miss your chance to win one of three great GE Lighting Home Makeover packages:
- Beautify House Makeover Package -- $200 worth of GE bulbs
- Beautify Room Makeover Package -- $100 worth of GE bulbs
- Bathroom Makeover Package -- $30 worth of GE bulbs
For each lighting purchase you make, be sure to choose the right fit, the right brightness, and the right color and effect. And don't forget to consider the energy savings and lifetime of the bulbs. For more information, please visit the GE website.
Enter below on the Rafflecopter through 12pm PST on January 30, 2015. Sorry, this contest is open to U.S. residents only. GE Lighting is not running this giveaway, but they are providing the products.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Nice post. One of the misconceptions about the new lighting laws is that incandescent bulbs were outlawed. In fact, the law demands that they be more efficient. Since the traditional incandescent bulb didn't meet the new requirements, they could no longer be made or imported here in the US. But halogen bulbs -- which are incandescent bulbs with some halogen gasses inside -- meet the new energy requirements. And that's what GE sent you. For people who cannot let go of incandescent, these are one option ... although they will be a little whiter than the older ones, and some of the new LEDs can mimic the old incandescents pretty well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input and clarification, Steve. That makes sense.
Delete