By Andy Wise - bio | email
(WMC TV) - Consumer Reports tested both CFL's and halogen bulbs as replacements for standard 100-watt incandescent bulbs, which are gradually being phased out.
Among 100-watt equivalent C-F-Ls, Consumer Reports said your best choices are the ECOBULB PLUS from FEIT ELECTRIC, the UTILITECH SOFT WHITE from LOWE'S, and the ECOSMART SOFT WHITE from HOME DEPOT.
"Halogen bulbs don't last anywhere near as long (as CFL's)," said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman of Consumer Reports, "and they won't save you very much money, but they did keep their full brightness in our tests."
Another plus for halogen bulbs, they can be dimmed, unlike many CFL's, and they reach full brightness immediately.
For halogen bulbs, Consumer Reports recommends the 100-watt equivalent PHILIPS HALOGENA ENERGY SAVER.
Consider these savings: Consumer Reports calculates that CFL's can save you $100 or more over the lifetime of the bulb. Halogens will only save you about $3.
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