Intro to Green Light Bulbs

Since green light bulbs cost more than traditional bulbs, people buy eco-lighting products for two main reasons: they save money in the long run, and because they use less energy to produce the same amount of light, they reduce harmful gas emissions from coal-fired power plants (which generate 50% of the electricity used in the United States).

Judging by the market share in the U.S. for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in recent years, 21% in 2008 (according to the Department of Energy), buying eco lighting isn’t a habit for most consumers. At GreenPoma.com, we aren’t smart enough to know why 4 out of 5 are saying “no thanks” to green light bulbs. We’re certain about one thing though: doing it right is tricky. Gone are the days when all that mattered when buying light bulbs was their wattage and shape.

6 Keys to Choosing the Best Eco-Lighting Products for Your Home or Office

Knowing these six simple things will give you confidence to buy the best energy-saving light bulbs for your lighting needs:

1. Pay more, not less – to save money in the long run, the bulbs have to last for the long run. If you buy the cheapest ones you can find, the odds are greater that they won’t last.
2. Pick your spots – if a light fixture is completely enclosed (so that it traps heat) or is switched on and off frequently (often on for less than 15 minutes at a time), CFLs are a poor investment because these factors will reduce their lifespan. High-efficiency, mercury-free halogen lamps are available that are worth a look in these situations. Wait until the existing bulb burns out.
3. Nobody likes the blues – the bluish light cast by typical fluorescent tubes used in office and industrial settings is not what most people want in their homes. CFLs labeled “daylight,” “full spectrum,” or “natural light” are blue-hued. These green light bulbs are desirable for reading, task or exterior fixtures perhaps, but probably not for ambient light in living areas.
4. Dimmable is just a word – most green light bulbs can’t be used with dimmer switches (high efficiency halogen lamps are an important exception). Those that can are boldly labeled “dimmable,” which is a start. Don’t expect these eco lighting products to dim as well as traditional bulbs, though some are pretty close. That said, making the switch in recessed cans in a busy family kitchen can be a real money saver. Important: the dimmer switch should be compatible with the bulbs you buy.
5. Let’s do the twist – spiral or “twister” CFLs are the least expensive type of eco-lighting. If the bulb is invisible in the fixture (though not totally enclosed), buy a spiral lamp and get paid back much faster than with a fancier covered CFL.
6. Stay out of the closet – most closets need instantaneous, short bursts of light. The same is often true of basements, attics and garages. CFLs aren’t well-suited for this purpose. Plus, it’s unlikely that these fixtures are on for 2+ hours per day which pushes payback on an eco-lighting investment way down the road. Stick with traditional bulbs in these settings.

Green light bulbs are here to stay and that’s good news because the cheapest, cleanest kilowatt of electricity is the one that is never produced in the first place. The most immediate benefit is the impact that green light bulbs can have on your energy bills.

Are you ready to start eco lighting? Our Bulb Finder will give you simple recommendations on what to buy to Greenlight Your World™.