Energy Efficient Light Bulb Information Guide: What You Need to Know.

We all know that energy efficient bulbs are great for lowering energy costs, minimizing your environmental footprint, and reducing time spent on maintenance and replacing bad bulbs. However, after that things become a bit tricky. There are many different energy-efficient bulbs that use different technologies to run longer, cleaner, and using less energy. Reference the below guide to determine which technology is best for you:

CFLs: Compact fluorescent lamps, better known as CFLs, are leading the charge for screw-in replacements of incandescent bulbs.

Pros: CFLs use about 75% less energy and last ten times longer than the incandescent bulbs which they replace. Generally, this adds up to $30 in savings over the life of the bulb. Many CFL bulbs are built as screw-in replacements for old bulbs, meaning no modification is necessary to use them.
Cons: All CFLs contain a small, trace amount of mercury. Used and unbroken bulbs should be taken to a qualified recycling center. Broken bulbs should be fully cleaned up and disposed off while the room is well ventilated. For more see http://www.epa.gov/hg/spills/#fluorescent

LEDs: LEDs, or light emitting diode bulbs, are clusters of individual units which are grouped together for bright, clean light. Depending on the wavelength used in the diode they emit a desired tone, ranging from clear bright light to dark blues and purples.

Pros: LED light bulbs operate at a very cool temperature. They last between 50 to 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Further, since there are no fragile filaments or tubes they are very resistant to heat, cold, and shock.
Cons: High start up costs. LED bulbs do sell at a premium compared to CFLs. Of course, this is made up by an increased efficiency and lifespan, but the high cost can be a barrier to entry for business and homeowners.

HPS bulbs: High pressure sodium lamps are primarily used for flood lighting applications such as street lights or in large spaces including parking lots or garages. They are a type of sodium vapor lamp which are used heavily by indoor gardeners due to the color spectrum they emit being favored by plants.

Pros: Less light pollution than mercury-vapor lamps. HPS bulbs are great for locations where color rending is important. They are also very efficient, generating about 100 lumens/Watt. Indoor gardening.
Cons: Price and heat. Also, most HPS bulbs emit a tinted light which is generally not suitable for office or home use.

Traditional incandescent bulbs: Incandescent bulbs are the oldest of the modern wide-spread lighting technology still in use. A filament is heated, which generates both heat and light. These are being outlawed in many states and are being replaced by more energy-efficient technologies.

Pros: Cost of bulbs.
Cons: Most of the energy used is wasted as heat as opposed to light. Incandescent bulbs have a short life and are not energy efficient.

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For guidance on purchasing energy efficient bulbs call the folks at Superior Lighting, Florida's light bulb experts. They can be reached on the web at http://www.superiorlighting.com/ or by calling (800) 432-7995.