Michigan Internet Marketing Club: Top LEDs and CFLs for the Dark Days Ahead

Top LEDs and CFLs for the Dark Days Ahead

Daylight Saving Time has its critics. But for the sleep-deprived, it’s hard to argue with the appeal of gaining an hour of sleep come Sunday, November 1, as Daylight Saving Time ends. Until you remember that for the next few months it will be dark when you wake up, dark before you sit down for dinner, and dark when you walk the dog after you eat. Time to turn on the lights.

Lights are on longer in the fall and winter, whether people more light for reading and cooking or to lift their mood. And while some turn off lights when they leave a room, a walk through my neighborhood tells me otherwise—some homes are lit up, floor to floor. That’s a lot of electricity being used, especially considering that the average home has more than 40 light sockets, according to Energy Star.

Now’s a fine time to switch to energy-saving CFLs and LEDs. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and last seven to 10 times longer than the incandescent bulbs they replace. LEDs use slightly less energy than CFLs, and most are claimed to last 18 to 46 years, based on three hours of us each day. LEDs are more expensive, but their prices continue to fall as manufacturers try to speed up adoption; utility rebates can help offset some of their higher cost.

5 CR Best Buy Lightbulbs to Consider

These lightbulbs are as bright as the 60-watt incandescents they replace, and the LEDs are dimmable. Use these energy-saving lightbulbs in frequently used lamps and open ceiling fixtures. All except the Philips can be used in fully enclosed fixtures. (Prices are per bulb.)

Feit Electric 9.5 Watt LED, $7
Feit Electric A19/OM/800 LED, $7.50
Philips SlimStyle A19 Soft White LED, $7
Great Value (Walmart) 60W Soft White A19 LED, $9
Feit Electric ECObulb Plus 60W CFL, $2.50

Check our lightbulb Ratings for all the details. You’ll also find general-purpose bulbs that replace 40-, 75- and 100-watt bulbs, and BR30 and PAR38 bulbs for indoor and outdoor use.

If you have any questions, send them to me at kjaneway@consumer.org.

Subscribe now!
Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products.

Update your feed preferences