Energy Efficient lighting arrived a few years ago and is now a significant part of the lighting market. Initially, there were only a few brand names in the game. However, with the growing demand for energy efficient bulbs the number of brands is also increasing with reduced prices and better quality. In such a scenario, a comparison of the best brands on the store racks is imperative. Here is a review of 10 of the top green lighting solutions:
1. EcoSmart LED
EcoSmart manufactures LED bulbs of various types. PAR 20 is one such green solution meant for larger spaces such as decks and yards. It can be classified under flood lights and is one of the best in this category. It replaces a 40 watt incandescent bulb and gives the brightest white color. With a life of 50,000 hours it lasts 50 times longer than its incandescent counterpart. What is more it comes with a 5 year warranty and works well with dimmers as well.
2. ArmorLite CFL
AmorLite’s CFL range is a good replacement as an energy efficient solution. Comparing it to an LED flood would be unfair. The bulb is a good flood light in its category and comes with a 14 watts power to replace a 65 watt incandescent. The brightness is 4100 K close to that of daylight. It is energy star certified, has a lifespan of 10,000 hours and a warranty of 2 years. What makes it more eco-friendly is a silicone shell that captures mercury sediments in case of breakage of the bulb.
3. Philips Halogena Hybrid
As the name suggests, this is a halogen bulb that fits somewhere in between LEDs and incandescent. They are about 50% more efficient and have a longer lifespan, 3 times more than the incandescent bulbs. At 2815 K the color of light from the halogena can be classified as bright white. The bulb is also compatible with the dimmers.
4. GE Doublelife Incandescent
GE has made even incandescent more energy efficient. The Doublelife is a regular incandescent that lasts 2000 hours and gives normal light categorized as soft white. The bulb is also compatible with dimmers thus helping adjust the brightness according to the need.
5. EcoSmart standard
What makes EcoSmart Standard the best LED bulb is that it fits well with most of the existing bulb fixtures. Its 8.6 watts of power makes it an ideal a type LED for households. With a color temperature of 3032 K its light falls under the bright white category. Like its flood light sibling the EcoSmart Standard also come with 50,000 hours of life and 5 years warranty.
6. EcoSmart mini CFL
Another smart solution from the house of EcoSmart is the mini CFL that replaces a 40 watt incandescent bulb and also fits into the standard electrical socket. A 9 watts this CFL produces a soft white light that lasts 10,000 hours. It is energy star certified and comes with a warranty of 9 years.
7. ClearLite CFL
ClearLite is a CFL designed for task lighting such as reading and working with intricate things. Among other features it fits into a standard socket, has 23 watts of power, illuminates like daylight, gives 10,000 hours of light and comes with a 2 year warranty.
8. Sylvania CFL
This is a CFL with an in-built dimmer that is gradual and hence advanced. It fits into standard electrical sockets and replaces a 100 watt incandescent. It offers up to 8000 hours of soft white light for as long as 7 years.
9. Sylvania Hybrid
In this bulb, the main light is the CFL with a standby LED night lamp. It lights up instantly and gives 12,000 hours of soft white light. With a 11 year warranty it is the best in this category.
10. Definity LED
The Definity LED bulb is a natural color producing LED light that not only consumes less energy but also produces a bright glow similar to that of incandescent, thus proving a perfect replacement for incandescent lovers. Like most others of its category, Definity lasts for 50,000 hours.
