My son has been taking an environmental science class this year and we have been learning ways to conserve energy. There’s been a lot of talk regarding the incandescent light bulb law that will take effect in this month. Some people love the new energy saving light bulbs and some people are reluctant to part with their traditional light bulbs. We decided to attempt an experiment using three different types of GE light bulbs, Energy Efficient soft white and CFL spiral and bright from the start, to see which ones would help us save more energy. We also researched other factors, including dimability, brightness, price, color preference, shape and size, if it functioned the way we expected, and how well it worked in different situations.
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| Everyone chose this as their favorite shape |
We began our research by conducting a poll among friends and relatives and asked them what they knew about energy efficient light bulbs. We discovered none of the people surveyed realized there was another option to the CFL bulbs that would still be available. We asked which bulb shape was preferred and found, to no surprise, everyone picked the Energy Efficient Soft White Halogen bulbs. We followed up by checking the
energy savings calculator to see how much money we could save using the different types of GE lighting.
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| This bulb had more energy savings |
I was startled at the amount of money I could save using CFL bulbs. They were the hands down energy efficient light bulbs winner, coming in at 75% energy savings versus 28% with the energy efficient soft white. They were also brighter than the halogen light bulbs, giving them two points in their favor, although they lost points for their curly shape, which reminded us of little pig tails.
However, when we used them in closed overhead light fixtures, no one could see the shape of the bulb.
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| Which would be our pick when we studied all the factors? |
Price was an important factor in our consideration of which bulbs to choose. While the CFL bulbs were substantially more upfront, ranging in price from around $8 to $15 for a four pack compared to $3.98 for a four pack of Energy Efficient soft white, the difference in the length of their lives, seven years versus one year, plus the energy savings made the CFL bulbs more cost efficient in the long run.
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| The Halogen light was good for a dimmer light beside my bed |
After testing both lights in various rooms and fixtures, we decided the CFL bulbs were best for rooms where more light was needed, like the family room or kitchen. They also provided more light for me when I was using the computer or crafting. The Energy Efficient soft white bulbs were good choices were we needed dimmer lighting, such as bedside tables.
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| The CFL bulbs are good choices for overhead lighting |
It was a tough choice but after considering all the factors, we decided we preferred the CFL bulbs. They won all our comparison points except for the look of the bulb. We will be switching out our light bulbs and watching the energy savings on each bill.
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I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and GE Lighting #CBias #SocialFabric” All opinions are my own.
Pam is a former teacher turned work from home mom. When she's not caring for her kids or cats, she can be found whipping up tasty recipes, trying her hand at the newest techie gadgets or reading. She loves to travel whenever she has a chance and spends way too much time on the computer sharing her experiences.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a slow convert on them too but mostly because of the price point even though they save long term. I do have several CFL and my desk lamp uses one and I actually really like them, but I have to admit the shape is a little annoying. lol
We have a mixture of bulbs in our house but are converting to CFLs.The bulbs will last longer in our house than we will!
What a difference these make; I soo have to convert my house over and been dragging my feet.. thanks for another reminder and great post WHY I should get up and change.
I really get excited about the life span of the energy efficient bulbs we are now using. We recently replaced dining room fixture with LED with seven year life! Compared to how frequently we had to change bulbs in the past, the difference is amazing!
I put these bulbs throughout my house recently and look forward to the savings!
We’re strong GE advocates. These are definitely wise investments!!
I love how the new bulbs aren’t that annoying florescent bulb of the past. I used to get horrible head aches with them, but now it is hard to tell which lamps have energy-efficient bulbs and which don’t. Thanks for the post
Those look like great light bulbs. I can’t believe they last for 7 years! That makes the higher cost well worth it. I’ll have to look for these next time I’m shopping.
I swear one day we will get all our bulbs switched over.
The look does take some getting used to, I think, as well. Love all the testing and comparisons you’ve done. Very helpful!
Thanks, I have already switched all of the bulbs in my house, but I like to see it was worth it.
We have converted to the newer bulbs but I still keep a few old ones in drawers as they are great for darning socks.
I have discovered that a mix of bulbs is the best for me. I have so many places where a special bulb is needed…but CFLs win for me, too, for most lights!
Thanks – every penny counts. We use a mix of bulbs because I cannot see well by teh CLF’s.
I have started to change all my regular lightbublts hoping to save some money
I have started changing the lightbubs in the house hoping it will save me money.