dimmable compact fluorescent light bulbs

dimmable compact fluorescent light bulbs

In an effort to cut energy costs and “go green,” many countries, including the United States, are either considering phasing out incandescent light bulbs or have already passed laws to ban them. As standard light bulbs go the way of the dinosaurs, consumers are left with just two viable options, LED light bulbs and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

The push has been on for CFLs for the past several years, and in turn, they’ve received a lot of press, both positive and negative. But not much has been said about LED light bulbs. And so the question begs to be answered: What are LED light bulbs and are they a good alternative to CFLs?

While most people aren’t aware of it, LED (light emitting diode) technology has actually been around for quite a while. LEDs are basically tiny light bulbs about the size of a matchstick head that fit into an electrical circuit. That pinpoint light which indicates your dishwasher is running, for example, is a LED light. LED lights are used to form the numbers on digital clocks and are used as instrument panel lighting in vehicles, boats, and aircraft. Many traffic lights are now composed of clusters of LEDs.

Because LEDs are extremely energy efficient, can tolerate temperature variances and turbulence – all while lasting a long time – the quest began in an effort to create light bulbs by clustering numerous LED’s together. And it’s worked. LED light bulbs are now being produced that boast exceptional energy efficiency. A 7-watt LED light bulb, for example, can now replace a 75-watt incandescent bulb. As you can guess, the potential savings in energy costs and greenhouse gasses is enormous.

With claims that they can last up to 15 years and use 90% less energy than the traditional bulb, LED light bulbs seem to be a no-brainer at first glance. But problems are prominent and LED light bulbs currently come up short. Let’s take a look at why:

LED light bulbs are expensive. Understandably, most people balk at spending $35.00 to $125.00 for just one light bulb, even when it results in a notable reduction in energy bills. Considering most homes have 30-plus light bulbs and businesses have significantly more, switching to LEDs is simply not an affordable option.

LED light bulbs aren’t bright enough. While standard bulbs and CFLs illuminate light in all directions, the light from LED light bulbs is directed or focused, like a spotlight. While this works well for situations such as reading, work areas, and accent lighting, it results in unsatisfactory illumination for general lighting needs.

Not all LED light bulbs are created equal. Many of the less expensive LED light bulbs produced use poor quality LED’s that burn out prematurely due to manufacturing issues.

Their light output quickly degrades. Unlike incandescent bulbs, which release their heat, LEDs contain their heat, which causes their light quality to degrade. Even though heat syncs are added to redirect the heat to a circuit board, issues with temperature overload are still frequent. Tests have shown a loss of 50% of light output in 6 months.

Due to their brightness, stability and attractive pricing (not much more than incandescent bulbs) CFL’s are currently the better choice for most homes and businesses. However, if you decide to take LEDs for a test drive, here are some tips:

1. Start out by trying just one LED light bulb.
2. Do your homework. Take time research and read consumer feedback and reviews. Weigh the pros and the cons.
3. Pay careful attention to warranties and guarantees from both the manufacturer and the store you buy from.
4. Buy quality. Phillips Color Kinetics and Permlight are good brands that currently produce high quality LEDs.
5. Beware of the less expensive LED light bulbs as they are often problematic.

As LED technology improves and prices drop, LED light bulbs will be worth taking a second look at in the future. But for now, CFLs are clearly the better overall choice.

Earthmate EP2052AK 20-Watt Super Mini-Spiral CFL 2700K Bulb, 6 Pack $40.74 ...

Neptun Apollo 80005-PW - Single Pole - Compact Fluorescent Dimmer - Paddle and Slide Switch - 600 Watt - Pearl White $19.35 ...

Earthmate EP05129 5-Watt Dimmable Candle 2700K Bulb, 6 Pack $80.00 ...

20W 120V PAR-38 850 Lumen Warm Compact Fluorescent Bulb, Pack of 6 $232.02 20W 120V PAR-38 850 Lumen Warm Compact Fluorescent Bulb, Pack of 6...

GE 13-Watt Energy SmartTM - 8 Pack - 60 watt replacement $7.95 GE 13-Watt Energy SmartTM - 8 Pack - 60 watt replacement...

Philips 409904 / 423343 Dimmable AmbientLED 12.5-Watt A19 Light Bulb $16.85 Philips AmbientLED (TM) Dimmable 60W Replacement A19 LED Light Bulb - Soft Warm White Philips AmbientLED (TM) Dimmable 12.5W A19 LED light bulb has earn Energy Star (R) qualification and offers light quality comparable to that of traditional general incandescent 60W light bulb. A19 emits light in all directions and are commonly used in table and floor lamps, pendants, ceiling fixtures and general...

27W Replacement Bulb for Sunlight Lamp $6.00 Bring the sunlight back to your Sunlight lamp with this 27W Tube Bulb! Save$$$$ on your electric bills! The high-tech 27-wattbulb, with a C.R.I.(Color Rendering Index) of 80-85, gives as muchlight as an ordinary 150-watt bulb, but uses far less energy. The bulb can last up to 5000 hours, 5x longer than other bulbs- for years ofnormal use. What is the KELVIN Temperature? The Kelvin temperature is ...

Three Way Mini Twist Soft White Bulb, 10-20-28 Watt $9.62 Save energy costs by replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent equivalents. Electronic ballast; instant on, no flicker. 6"L, 10-20-28 watt replaces 50-100-150W. 8,000 average life hours. FCC Approved, U.L. Listed. Cannot be used with dimmers....

Earthmate EP085250 8-Watt, Dimmable BR30 2700K Bulb, 6 Pack $146.94 ...

OttLite 20W VisionSaver Swirl Bulb. $8.95 Ott-Lite B206C0 Compact Fluorescent 20 Watt Light Bulb...

Philips 150425 Energy Saver Compact Fluorescent 20-Watt R40 Flood Light Bulb, Dimmable $15.59 Compact (pocket sized), high-intensity, selectable-output/multi-spectrum LED flashlight for tactical, self-defense, recreational, and general use. The Kroma's virtually indestructible primary light emitting diode (LED) provides two output levels of white light: a long-running low beam and a brilliant, tactical-level high beam with nearly three times the light of a larger two-D-cell flashlight-enou...

GE 75368 Energy Smart 13-Watt Spiral Compact Fluorescent Bulb, Candelabra Base, 2-Pack $11.50 GE, FLE13HT2/2CANDP, 2 Pack, 13W, Mini Twist Compact Fluorescent Bulb, Electronic Ballast, Equivalent To 60W Incandescent, 2700 Kelvin Temperature, 80 Cri, 8,000 Hours Rated Life, 850 Lumens, Candelabra Based, Energy Star Compliant, Carded....

TCP 14-Watt Soft White Compact Fluorescent Flood Light Bulb (6 Pack) $26.34 6 Pack of R30 Compact Fluorescent Bulbs; Wattage: 14 Watts; Incandescent Equivalent: 65 Watts; Color Temperature: 2700K / Soft White; Base: Medium; Lumens: 650; Average Life: 8,000 Hours; Energy Star Listed...

Lutron DVCL-153P-WH Diva Dimmable CFL/LED Dimmer, White $20.04 Lutron DVCL-153P-WH DIVA CFL/LED BOXED...

Earthmate EP2052AK 20-Watt Super Mini-Spiral CFL 2700K Bulb, 6 Pack $40.74 ...

Neptun Apollo 80005-PW - Single Pole - Compact Fluorescent Dimmer - Paddle and Slide Switch - 600 Watt - Pearl White $19.35 ...

Earthmate EP05129 5-Watt Dimmable Candle 2700K Bulb, 6 Pack $80.00 ...

20W 120V PAR-38 850 Lumen Warm Compact Fluorescent Bulb, Pack of 6 $232.02 20W 120V PAR-38 850 Lumen Warm Compact Fluorescent Bulb, Pack of 6...

GE 13-Watt Energy SmartTM - 8 Pack - 60 watt replacement $7.95 GE 13-Watt Energy SmartTM - 8 Pack - 60 watt replacement...

Philips 409904 / 423343 Dimmable AmbientLED 12.5-Watt A19 Light Bulb $16.85 Philips AmbientLED (TM) Dimmable 60W Replacement A19 LED Light Bulb - Soft Warm White Philips AmbientLED (TM) Dimmable 12.5W A19 LED light bulb has earn Energy Star (R) qualification and offers light quality comparable to that of traditional general incandescent 60W light bulb. A19 emits light in all directions and are commonly used in table and floor lamps, pendants, ceiling fixtures and general...

27W Replacement Bulb for Sunlight Lamp $6.00 Bring the sunlight back to your Sunlight lamp with this 27W Tube Bulb! Save$$$$ on your electric bills! The high-tech 27-wattbulb, with a C.R.I.(Color Rendering Index) of 80-85, gives as muchlight as an ordinary 150-watt bulb, but uses far less energy. The bulb can last up to 5000 hours, 5x longer than other bulbs- for years ofnormal use. What is the KELVIN Temperature? The Kelvin temperature is ...

Three Way Mini Twist Soft White Bulb, 10-20-28 Watt $9.62 Save energy costs by replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent equivalents. Electronic ballast; instant on, no flicker. 6"L, 10-20-28 watt replaces 50-100-150W. 8,000 average life hours. FCC Approved, U.L. Listed. Cannot be used with dimmers....

Earthmate EP085250 8-Watt, Dimmable BR30 2700K Bulb, 6 Pack $146.94 ...

GE 75368 Energy Smart 13-Watt Spiral Compact Fluorescent Bulb, Candelabra Base, 2-Pack $11.50 GE, FLE13HT2/2CANDP, 2 Pack, 13W, Mini Twist Compact Fluorescent Bulb, Electronic Ballast, Equivalent To 60W Incandescent, 2700 Kelvin Temperature, 80 Cri, 8,000 Hours Rated Life, 850 Lumens, Candelabra Based, Energy Star Compliant, Carded....

360 Round Flushmount- Fluorescent by Tech-Tiella $120 The Tech-Tiella 360 Round Flushmount- Fluorescent is compact in more ways than one. Compact in size, it also features the flattering glow of two compact fluorescent bulbs. The round White glass shade fits seamlessly and securely into the similarly shaped metal base, allowing the 360 Round Flushmount- Fluorescent to be safely mounted to the ceiling or wall. Tech Lighting-Tiella, located in Skokie, IL, develops lighting under the belief that the latest and best new product innovations are the result of quality craftsmanship, attention to even the smallest design detail and drive to consistently bring you something new. The Tech-Tiella 360 Round Flushmount- Fluorescent is available with the following: Detailss:Round White glass shadeMetal baseCan be mounted on the ceiling or wallTitle 24 CompliantADA CompliantETL ListedOptions:Finish: Bronze, or Satin Nickel (shown).Lighting: Two 13 Watt 120 Volt Type T4 2GX7 Base Compact Fluorescent lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 2.5 In., Diameter 11 In.

Dax Compact Fluorescent Pendant by WAC Lighting $185.26 The WAC Lighting Dax Compact Fluorescent Pendant by WAC Lighting is energy efficient invigorating fixture that stimulates the aesthetic sense of your room with its cylindrical shaped diffuser. The Dax Compact Fluorescent Pendant by WAC Lighting features cased glass shade in acid etched color. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting Dax Compact Fluorescent Pendant by WAC Lighting is available with the following: Included Features:One cylinder-shaped, cased glass shade.Acid etched color.96 in. field-cuttable steel cable.Options:Finish: Amber (shown), or White.Canopy/Cord: Black Canopy with Black Cord, or White Canopy with White Cord.Lighting: One 26 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included), one 32 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included), or one 42 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within three- to five business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 11.75 In., Width 5.125 In.

Bongo Pendant with Compact Fluorescent Canopy by WAC $203.22 The WAC Lighting Bongo Pendant with Compact Fluorescent Canopy is an alluring energy saving fixture suitable for porches and rooms that creates downlight ambience and enhance the grandeur of your room. The Bongo Pendant with Compact Fluorescent Canopy features cased glass that adds beauty to this fixture. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Bongo Pendant with Compact Fluorescent Canopy is available with the following: Included Features:One cased glass shade.Steel socket holder.96 in. field-cuttable steel cable.Options:Finish: Amber (shown), or White.Canopy/Cord: Black Canopy with Black Cord, or White Canopy with White Cord (shown).Lighting: One 26 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included), one 32 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included), or one 42 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within three- to five business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 5 In., Height 12 In.

Top Four Dimmable LED Task Lamp by Luxit $715.5 Glamorous, colored and compact. The Luxit Top Four Dimmable LED Task Lamp packages the latest LED technology in a slim, supremely adjustable modern design. Available in a variety of glossy colors, the modular form brings to mind LEGOs, and is just as fun to use. Designed by Alberto Basaglia and Natalia Rota Nodari. Based in Presezzo, Italy, Luxit has been creating "Light that Works" since 1967. Their modern, highly engineered lighting solutions are technologically superior, energy efficient and attractive. Luxit is part of the FDV Collection. The Luxit Top Four Dimmable LED Task Lamp is available with the following: Details:4 lensesSpotlight structure in painted extruded aluminum, with thermoplastic coveringBuilt-in spring system in arm, adjustable up to 75 degreesFull-range touch dimmer on arm52" Black power cordLED Color Temperature: 2900 KLED average rated life: 50,000 hoursEnergy efficientCE RatedMade in ItalyDesigned by Alberto Basaglia and Natalia Rota NodariOptions:Color: Glossy Black, Glossy Blue, Glossy Green, Glossy Red, or Glossy White.Lighting: Four 1.2 Watt 120 Volt LED lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 2-3 days. Dimensions: Base: Height .59 In., Width 2.76 In., Depth 7.87 In. Head: Depth 2.63 In., Width 2.56 In. Fixture: Reach Adjustable to 25.03 In., Height Adjustable to 26.38 In. Arm: Length 22.55 In.

600 Series 6 Compact Fluorescent Housing by WAC Lighting $44.91 The WAC Lighting 600 Series 6" Compact Fluorescent Housing is available in a new construction or remodel configuration, both IC Rated and Non-IC Rated. The 600 Series 6" Compact Fluorescent Housing should be used in combination with one of the WAC Lighting 6" 600 series trims, which are available in a variety of models. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting 600 Series 6" Compact Fluorescent Housing is available with the following: Details:Steel constructionUL Listed for damp locationsEnergy EfficientENERGY STAR QualifiedOptions:Housing Type: New Construction (shown), or Remodel.Type: IC, or Non-IC.Lighting:IC option utilizes one 13 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included).Non-IC option utilizes one 32 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included).Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Remodel Housing: Length 6.13 In., Height 7.75 In. New Construction Housing: Height 7 In., Length 6.13 In.

500 Series 5 Compact Fluorescent Housing by WAC Lighting $44.91 The WAC Lighting 500 Series 5" Compact Fluorescent Housing is available in a new construction or remodel configuration, IC Rated and Non-IC Rated. The 500 Series 5" Compact Fluorescent Housing should be used in combination with one of the WAC Lighting 5" 500 series trims, which are available in a variety of models. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting 500 Series 5" Compact Fluorescent Housing is available with the following: Details:Steel constructionUL Listed for damp locationsEnergy EfficientENERGY STAR QualifiedOptions:Housing Type: New Construction, or Remodel (shown).Type: IC, or Non-IC.Lighting:IC option utilizes one 13 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included).Non-IC option utilizes one 26 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included).Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Remodel Housing: Length 5.38 In., Height 7.75 In. New Construction Housing: Height 7 In., Length 5.44 In.

400 Series 4 Compact Fluorescent Housing by WAC Lighting $44.91 The WAC Lighting 400 Series 4" Compact Fluorescent Housing is available in a new construction or remodel configuration, both IC Rated and Non-IC Rated. The 400 Series 4" Compact Fluorescent Housing should be used in combination with one of the WAC Lighting 4" 400 series trims, which are available in a variety of models. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting 400 Series 4" Compact Fluorescent Housing is available with the following: Details:Steel constructionPainted White finishUL Listed for damp locationsEnergy EfficientENERGY STAR QualifiedOptions:Housing Type: New Construction (shown), or Remodel.Type: IC, or Non-IC.Lighting: One 13 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Remodel Housing: Length 4.13 In., Height 5.69 In. New Construction Housing: Height 5.5 In., Length 4.19 In.

Lexington Pendant by Tech Lighting $388 The Tech Lighting Lexington Pendant was designed by Jim Henderson to coordinate with any variety of transitional color schemes while also providing warm, functional downlight. The large drum-shaped fabric shade comes in no fewer than ten colors, with a glass diffuser that allows for a glare-free wash of light. Also available in a variety of finishes and lamping options. Tech Lighting, headquartered in Skokie, IL, is known for their innovative lighting systems and exquisite lighting designs. Their passion for art, sophistication and imagination is balanced by rigorous testing and quality control in the creation of their line-voltage and low-voltage lighting, including the Tech Lighting FreeJack and monorail systems and track heads. The Tech Lighting Lexington Pendant is available with the following: Details:Drum-shaped fabric shadeGlass diffuserMetal frameRound ceiling canopy72" field-cuttable suspension cableIncandescent option dimmable with standard incandescent dimmer (not included)Compact Fluorescent Dimmable option dimmable with a dimmer (not included) that's compatible with an Advance Mark 10 Powerline 2-wire line voltage dimming ballastETL Listed for damp locationsDesigned by Jim HendersonOptions:Finish: Antique Bronze, Black, Satin Nickel, or White.Lamping: Compact Fluorescent, Compact Fluorescent Dimmable, or Incandescent.Shade: Black Shade, Camel Felt, Charcoal Gray Felt, Chocolate Brown, Chocolate Brown Felt, Desert Clay, Red, Washable Brown, Washable Gray, Washable Ivory, or White Shade.Lighting:Compact Fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent Dimmable options utilize four 32 Watt 120 Volt Type GX24Q-3 Compact Fluorescent lamps (not included), or four 26 Watt 120 Volt Type GX24Q-3 Compact Fluorescent lamps (not included).Incandescent option utilizes four 100 Watt 120 Volt Type A19 Medium Base Incandescent lamps (included).Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Ceiling Canopy: Diameter 4.5 In., Height .5 In. Shade: Diameter 20 In., Height 12 In. Fixture: Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 84.5 In. Cable: Length 72 In.

Morrow Bay Post Light- Fluorescent by Maxim Lighting $117 The Maxim Morrow Bay Post Light- Fluorescent revives the old-world splendor with its vintage good looks. The Morrow Bay Post Light- Fluorescent features Cast Aluminum body, Latte glass and Earth tone finish. Maxim Lighting, headquartered in California, offers high-quality lighting fixtures in a variety of designs, finishes, and glass styles that complement contemporary and transitional interiors. The Maxim Lighting Morrow Bay Post Light- Fluorescent is available with the following: Included Features: One Latte glass shade.Cast Aluminum body.Earth Tone finish. Low-voltage transformer.Energy Star.UL Listed.Wet Rated. Lighting: One 26 Watt 12 Volt Low-voltage Compact Fluorescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within four- to five business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 10.5 In., Height 24.5 In.

Knob Hill Fluorescent Post Light by Maxim Lighting $115.2 The Maxim Lighting Knob Hill Fluorescent Post Light creates a welcoming environment with its quietly sophisticated form, warm hues, and soft glow of energy-efficient illumination. The Knob Hill Fluorescent Post Light features a cast aluminum body and a glass diffuser. (Post not included.) Maxim Lighting, headquartered in California, offers high-quality lighting fixtures in a variety of designs, finishes, and glass styles that complement contemporary and transitional interiors. The Maxim Lighting Knob Hill Fluorescent Post Light is available with the following: Included Features:Snow Flake glass diffuser.Cast Aluminum body.Sienna finish.Energy-efficient lamping.Energy Star rated.UL Listed for wet locations.Lighting: One 18 Watt 120 Volt Compact Fluorescent lamp (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 10 In., Height 22.5 In.

Switching them on and off a lot does wear them out, that’s why they are mostly recommended for rooms where the light stays on for a longer period of time. CFLs only need about 25% of the energy a normal lightbulb uses so if you leave them on for 6 hours a day it would probably still be better than switching back to normal ones. But if you’re not in the room for half an hour or longer I would still recommend switching them off.